Churchfields House Cheshunt Dec 9th 1900 My dear Kitty I am so indolent I do find doing anything an effort, then I am worried about Harry, who at last has had himself looked to with the result that his right lung is congested slightly, and great care is [*Kitty to you and Dr. Affectionately, Frances*]needed. I am sure for along time there was some thing wrong there, it is not natural for a man to cough always bringing up more or less flem, but he would have it there was nothing, and now I am glad to say he does think he will take some care. He is now taking some thing to try to clear the lung and high, dry, bracing air has been ordered where that is to be found in winter, I am afraid not in England, and to go abroad is so expensive, however nothing as yet can be decided, nor for how long we must go. If Harry would only go alone, but that he absolutely refuses to do. This weather makes me dreadfully depressed, and in consequence I see things blacker than needs be. How is Drs hand, and how does her general health keep. I wonder whether Nan is not rather, well what can I say about her eyes, but you understand, how I should hate to sitidle. How did the Bazaar go off, but you will not know I now see by the dates. What a pity about that dear little Susan. Why send away a good nurse, and then too to get a deaf one, surely not good for a young child. I for one would never take ladyhelps. I should feel so uncomfortable in having to give my orders that I would rather give up house keeping, it seems to me in the present day a lady can find other work than being a servant. I hope young Allen came out safely from the or any flirtations he may have had with Miss Livinton. It would be a pity he should fall in love yet, not but at that age, they fall out again in time. I have been having a fine time with my housemaid who turns out to be an idiot. I am truly sorry for her, but still cannot keep her She has already spoiled some valuablethings, and I live in dread of the next. I miss my boy more and more, and he poor fellow is not happy on his new ship where all the officers are much older or much younger than he is, but he is a philosopher, and accepts the inevitable. Love from us both dear2 from it, and when I think we shall have to set off again the idea quite sickens me but we this house most certainly we cannot stay. Some of the people of the place I have grown to like, but there are others I fully dislike, and in a small place one always meets, but the great drawbackto me is the distance to town for Harry, who of course says that is nonsense, but time will show, I just try not to think of it. Harry's sister once more gone back to live with her husband, he the man is to do wonders, my poor parents-in-law seem to think he this time means well, and will do so for my part I am sure there willbe another baby to keep when the child has well made it's appearance the family misses the man the brothers positively refuse to keep him, and in consequence are considered by his family very mean will be once more on our hands. Harry worries, and I have to come down like the day of judgement andtell him I will not have our home made unhappy by a sister who resents all advice although again, and again she has a ask aide of her family. I only wish she were my sister once for all I would make her understand she either looked after herself or if she was to be kept by meSt. Hugh Harlow Jan. 26th 99 My dear Kitty I have been ill. See there the reason of my delay in answering your welcome and interesting letters. I had first a very bad cold and then such tight feelings in my head and so weary and languid that I was most thankfulto keep still and had at last to have the Dr. who found me run down and out of sorts. I believe although there are no direct indications that my age has some thing to do with it helped a little by this unnatural weather. I am much better and able to be out again but not quite myself even yet. I do hopeMiss Anna had no more such falls, it looks rather serious it seems to me poor Miss Anna I suppose she does not see it in that way in the least. What a very strange woman Lily Rogers is dear me! How thankful I am to be contented, you will say that is easy with a good husband and comfortable homebut you know what I mean not the continual desire to change that this poor soul seems to have, no matter whether she spends more than in Jersey if she is continually on the move the expense is awful this we can speak of from experience and it has not always been our wish to move, far4 the poor people here ask me if my sow was safe, but that was rather diffrent. I am glad your Paul will have a holiday, and you will have the little maid, she must be so interesting now. My poor little Jenny very sweet but I am always in a fright aboutthat dreadful lump Diane is very well, alove. How did you like the lecture on the Navy? Good-bye dear Kitty love from us both to you and Dr. Affectionately, Frances Our poor Vicar is laid up with some dreadful thing in his leg-3. Nor happy; poor child! She gets no sympathy from her mother who is a woman with no maternal feeling, really. Providence should not allow such women to have children. She gives Fannie to our friends the Voelckers to spend a month. I do hope Dr is better but this horridcold weather is too awful, I never feel warm and comfortable - The Bazaar brought up Fr.501- rather good for this little peace. I am glad all is settled about Miss A's affairs, what deceptions she would have had. I am afraid the whole of the will must go down but I donot think there is any danger of any one going to see it I shall have no disagreement with Louie (?) as far as I can make out he sides with the English. Harry was very indignant with a lady. Who certainly ought to have known better, who said she did so pity Mrs. Litterton with her son in the war, thinkingquite calmly Holland was fighting for the Boers, that they were all one country or some such stuff. Because the East Indian Co. went out some time in 1600 and settled there is no reason that they are still in touch with poor little Holland. I have had some of2 a character of my late housemaid who is going as Cooks general rather a come down in the world and of course she will not keep the place, as she is very lazy and this is her first place in 5 months she has gone from us. Poor Harry such a cold again and does so cough still he keeps on the hunt(?)for a house, What we like too expensive that is the great trouble and Harry says there is no use looking where the Blyth's are it would be too expensive also. Then he has seen pleasantly situated houses but so badly built all tumble down before you get in. However we live and hope, I feel alittle less anxious about Louie who says the Drs have told him his tonsils are abnormally large, although they do not advise removal without it's being absolutely necessary, then his continual exposure to all weathers and his being obliged to scream orders keep his throat incontinual irritation as his throat is his weak part. I am in hopes the six months rest (perhaps given on that account) will do him good. If he is not better here, Dr could perhaps tele me the best Physician for the throat. Fannie de Benery goes on Tuesday neither wellSt. Hugh Harlow Mar 25th 1900. My dear Kitty I am so sorry but I had burnt the U.S. letter before your card cause, as you say I am not to keep them when read in they go as I have so little space. I do hope no one in the U.S. will say a wordabout that thing poor Lizzie had in her throat as she never mentioned a word about it to me it looked as if she did not want it known. I am truly delighted you get Sarah back again. What a comfort for good servants do make a difference and a great one inones comfort. I hope I am at last settled my housemaid is cook, cooks well likes it and is much more fit for it, and now I have a girl who if she goes on as she has done this first week, will be a treasure, she is beautifully clean, neat and understands her work very anxious to pleasebut not very strong. Harry has been very kind to her. Father and I have been able to do some little things for the Mother and it all seems very much appreciated. She is just as good a servant as that Jessie I had but with a pleasant temper more than could have been said of Jessie. Yesterday came a letter askingshe should leave that wretched man entirely had she listened there would now be only two children instead of four, and had they all lived there would be eight, a crime in my eyes when you are utterly unable to bring them up properly but there that will do on that sad subject and do not mention it in writing it only opensaround. My sister-in law [Luden?] continues to do pretty well. She now weighs 78 pounds instead of 70. So in nearly two months has gained 8 pounds, She is so thankful not to be sick any more, but the poor soul is often disheartened, and longs to come to us, as you say she has known almost no realaffection and Harry is good to the weak and sore at heart and never ending little attentions are fourthcoming: (is that the way it is spelt) which poor Kitty appreciated with tears in her eyes but I some times wonder whether she will ever be really strong enough for such a journey. She has never been on the sea inher life - Your Xmas at Rock House was so nice but what does the American family mean well! I suppose each age brings it's changes, this one I think sad. Alice's letter was amusing, and full of interest, but like you a few lines by ones own hand is worth all the type written letters possible. I read4. the account of the Armenian Christening to the servants who were very interested. I really believe if Alice had not promised her Mother not to she would have married an Armenian. I return the letter I would rather you destroyed it. I had a letter today from Mrs. de Beuery, who has had a carriage ac-her life - your Xmas at Rock House was so nice, but what does the American family mean Well! I suppose each age brings it's changes, this one I think sad. Alice's letter was amusing, and full of interest, but like you a few lines by ones own hand is worth all the type written letters possible, I read 4 the account of the Armenian Christening to the servants who were very interested, I really believe if Alice had not promised her mother not to, she would have married an Armenian. I return the letter I would rather you destroyed it. I had a letter to-day from Mrs. de Benery, who has had a carriage ac-[ac]cident serious enough, a blow on the forehead and the left eye closed she is better but often feels as if a needle were being put through her eye and her forehead very painful. It was predicted she would be killed by a carriage accident as her Mother-in-law was the old Mme de Beuery, at any rate it is not for this time. Now I think I must be off to bed. Harry gone long ago, but not before my two peices of news, first and best Leon comes again 1st or 2nd March for a fortnight and secondly Harry has ordered a cycle to be built for me in the hopes I will take more fresh air, it seems I remain athome too much. I can ride but am terrified to pass carts or carriages. I am told this passes, may it do so. The gales have been so awful that I wonder St Hugh still exists. Yesterday and today fine but cold and wind again today. Harry I am sure would join in love to you and Dr. Ever dear Kitty. Afftely Frances St Hugh Harlow Nov. 28th 99. My dear Kitty Thank Dr and you again so much for your kind hospitality and our very pleasant stay with you, it is such a pity we live so far a part. The different lines make things so much longerWe would have got on all right today but coffee has the effect upon me of producing a great deal of water and before even Tunbridge Wells I found I needed to get out, however there was no time there, and foolishly I went on, only in such agony I was almost in a fainting condition. We had other passengers, but at New Cross I was obliged to leave the train, and then could hardly walk, and just imagine before I could find a Ladies room. I had to go up one stair case, anddown another. How I did it I do not know but I did get there at last, and after some difficulty was relieved, but for the time it was acute torture. I am quite myself again now had a good lunch of oysters in town reaching home by 4.20. I found letters, and one to announce the second baby, so the little covers are both in use now. The dogs were wild with joy and are now both perfectly happy in front of the fire. There was no rain in London but here a fearful storm is blowing and plenty of wet. Tomorrow I shallhave my hands full with my visitors, and you poor dear will be alone. I do hope it will be fine for Dr. Love from us both to you and Dr a pat to poor old Burr, ever Your affectionate FrancesSt. Hugh Harlow May 6th 98. My dear Kitty. Your welcome letter containing all American letters dated April 29th only reached me yesterday morning May 5th the envelope all covered with little papers on them."found open officially sealed" and we could see the envelope had split on all sides. Why it took so long in it's travels from Hastings to Harlow, I do not know, as post marks others than the Harlow ones there were more. Alice's letters are always amusing but how sorry I was to see that Dr Emily had her winter cold and that is was possible poor Mrs. Lane(?) might suffer in the same way as dear Mrs. Blackwell. As to the war my dear Kitty it is too horrible and I do pity the poor Queen Regent of Spain, whohas had plenty of trouble in her life poor soul. Please thank Dr for her card, I do hope I can make "my man" consult, but men are difficult at times. I should think you were well rid of Miss White, I never heard of such a thing and certainly in her case it was the wish to make mischief, I pity Miss Anna who has so cut her self away from all family feeling, but then I believe she is just the one woman who cares least about family ties, without she could make all her family subject to her, If only she had a really trustworthy maid about her, but Ada is adeceitful sneak. I am afraid my dear you have rather puffed me out with pride, What it is to have life long friends, who [who] magnify the small qualities, and are so indulgent for the faults - But I am pleased about my Leon, and it has been a bright spot in his poor Aunt's sad life . As to my social education, it is very old fashioned, and undergoes many a shock in watching the young generation. Poor or dear baby Susan You must tell Dr. that perhaps when venerable Mr. Burr was Miss Susan's age, his moral character was not so advanced as now. I am afraid a mustard plaster I put on - to my poor Harry's lumbago, was left there rather long, his poor back looks like cooked lobster, he is less stiff but by no means well yet. I am feeling better, please the Dr we believe the drains to be in good order, as the house is new and a good deal of pains was taken about them. I am careful about open windows. I wonder dear Kitty whether in three or four weeks time Dr. and you would receive me for a few days visit? it seems to me so long since I have seen you, then I thought you would come up to town with me, and Harry would meet us, and we could go to seedear Miss Marian's grave. Today my cook has attained her 21st birthday. There is to be a birthday cake on Sunday and a young man and his sister invited to tea. Good bye dear Kitty, love from us both to you and Dr. Your ever affectionate Frances The envelope is one of Papa's collection and came from the U.S.St Hugh Harbour Jan 23rd 98. My dear Kitty I was very much amused by your description of the dinner of which Miss A. said never a word. Poor Dr. and poor you too! I know what Miss A's helpings are, and then shethinks all cooking in her own house perfection, as to Hetty she looked to me when I last saw her as if she were being fitted for Barnum's show I took a very great dislike to the child who was needed Miss A. said because "Ada had so much more to do now that Miss M. was so ill" but now that our poor dear friend is gone, Hetty still seems a fixture in the Sunny side household I do pity Miss A. with such a pr about her and often wonder how things will end. I am very glad you did not give dear Miss M's pho-[pho]tograph to Ada to send to Elise for she never cared [??] for Miss M. and Sam still furious the way she made free with Miss M.'s belongings and above all the gas stove - I am glad the young Tom Jones house- hold seems happy and hope the others 2 may find good hus- bands some girls are intended for married life while others are quite happy single. I have received clear Miss M's legacy, and am looking out for some really safe investments as I am sure Miss M. would wish but one needs to be so very prudentThe weather is indeed awful such fogs making me groan to have to turn my poor Harry out by 8 1/2 A. M. and up soon after 7, we drew by gas light and breakfast the same, and such dark mornings make the work of a house doubly more difficult, indeed I think the climate at times very very trying - Leon is expected daily and there is just the idea I shall go to Holland on Thursday or Friday I can[not] [I] get off. A friend has written me in the stricts confidence (for people in Holland) that my poor sister in law is very ill, and that it is her firm conviction aswell as Kitty's herself that she will never leave her bed again, The state of her health she will have made known to none but my dutch friend thought that being her oldest friend, and so far away, I ought to know how things stood and that now Leon is expected it would be an excuse to go to Hol- land, quite natural and at the same time I could see for myself the sad condition of poor Kitty, She has been in bed since the middle of Nov. and the vomiting never ceases - I should like to go of course, and consider it a duty also, but to leave poor Harry to come home to thisdesolate place to find his house empty is very sad, especially as he is not well. His stomach is very much out of order, and he is now in bed trying to get all the rest he can as his junior clerk is away most seriously ill, having had to have his skull cut open or something awful in that line and things look very bad for him indeed of course Harry worries about the poor fellow dreadfully, and is in consequence once again over worked, and any benefit derived from his journey will soon have gone. I cannot tell you dear how nervous I feel drawn[ The Laurels College Road Cheshunt.] between two fires, fortunately I have had the servants now some little time, and although they have some very trying faults, they are sympathetic in time of trouble and know how to attend to their Master's wants Of course I should not stay away long but the journey at this time of the year is 4 [is] very disagreeable and difficult from here We do dislike the place more and more Our neighbors (Jews) have arrived, and tomorrow I call as one must be on a friendly footing when so near, Harry spoke to the gentleman who did not seem so bad as we had expected by his appearance They also have a doga fox terrier gentleman who Jemmy hates and I am in continual fear of a fight just now more than ever, as Diane is nearing a very disagreeable moment and although she is very good still there are moments when she seeks the company of other dogs but she has such a charming disposition so loving and faithful, but just a little too noisey as she likes to play, and then lets her voice be heard, very freely, Miss M. liked her fortunately then she was not quite at home with us, and like children under the same circumstances, quietI am sorry poor Burr is getting so old, but it is what we have to expect with our pets. Yes, dear Kitty when the weather is a little better, and the days longer, we ill go to Brookwood, and Harry will take us. Love from us both to you and Dr. Affectionately Frances St Hugh Harbour Dec 28th 97 My dear Kitty I was indeed pleased to have the photograph of our dear friend it is such a pleasant one of her and so well reproduced, but Oh! my dear Kitty how hardto think the old ones leave us and that in this world their loving interest the ever ready ear to sorrow or joy are gone forever. But as the time draws near for that sad anniversary, and I think of the long months of weary suffering I can only rejoice that the dear friend has gone to perfect peace. There is a very beautiful hymn in the church of England collection called "Peace Perfect Peace" it speaks of God's care being with all, and with thedear one's gone or far away and when it was sung at the closing of the last evening service that Mrs. De Beuery was with me, we were both very much moved by it as she poor soul has many sorrows and troubles and my two dear ones were both at sea it came home to me more formably than ever that the care of the Supreme Being is indeed with us all. Our Xmas was spent most quietly we were alone one of the maids went home, the other going on Boxing Day. Harryis certainly better, but by no means as well as he ought to be and feels these sudden changes very much. His journey was a very interesting one and he thinks to live in Madeira would be lovely- Leon writes from Port Said. Says he finds it cold there what will he think of it when he gets to Holland poor child! He was now going to Smyrna My dutch sister-in-law is in bed living upon beef tea and milk being unable to keepany thing else upon her stomach, they all write me from Holland, that she remains the same is utterly unable to talk of any thing but her great loss, indeed it is to me a wonder she still lives - I have had many Xmas cards and two such charm- -ing ones of the children Denniss Mrs. Denniss has photographed them in their pretty hoods and cloaks side by side as if they were just making a call to bring you their good wishes, andthen another where Madeleine the eldest girl is just peeping out of a box as if she had been sent by rail to give her good wishes in person. I hope you and Dr. will have a pleasant dinner at Sunny Side. dear me! how very strange some things are, and Miss Anna in much is a great puzzle - I must say I think it a very great shame if any one could make poor Mr. Harvey feel what is entirely independent of him, it is just that wretched question where to me lies thegreat fault of the Parents for it is rare that they themselves suffer and the poor children from almost their earliest age have pain and sorrow for the fault of others. but now that the young man is married surely no one has a right to meddle. his wife's 4 family accepted the fact, and is no one elses business - It makes one quite indignant - I enclose Agnes's letters very amusing, her "Faire -part" came the other day, and the silly people had shut the envelope so there was 5d. to pay, while if they had only leftit open they would only have needed to put on 1 cent instead of 5 as they did, but don't mention it for worlds, I am only telling you and wondering why people do not enquire about such questions in their own interest I sent all my Xmas cards for 1/2 apiece instead of 2 1/2, makes quite a difference - We both send our best greetings for the New Year with our love to Dr. and your self dear Kitty - Your ever affectionate Frances I have such a lot of difficult NewYears letters to write, and one to the poor Baron de Nagell who lost his wife taken ill at the same time, and in the same way as Miss Marian, only she was taken in 6 weeks timeCheshunt Sep. 4th 97 My dear Kitty We are truly sorry for all the trouble you are having, if Dr Bough did really send the certificate then there must be some very bad management at the London office, as Harry wrote the secretary was not there at 4 P.M. having gone outat 12 for ten minutes, and from a telegram received I suppose from him this morning sent from London at 10.43. reaching here at 11.4 and delivered at this house at 11.30 in all probality he did not return to the office at all yesterday of course his telegram had we been dependant upon it would have reached here long after we had gone off we must take the 10.8 train and leave the house by 945 a.m in order to reach Waterloo in time for the 11.45 Harry went to town to see about arranging at Court for Monday, and finds he can arrange for that day or any other - In your last letter you ask to see if there would be anydifficulty to disinter the urn should the American family wish it to be placed elseware Should we find there was question of difficulty on that point had we not better make a temporary arrangement for 6 months if we can? For my part it seems to me if poor Miss Marian wished to have her ashes remain at Woking the question settles itself - Send a little note by Vine as your answer will not reach us before we leave on Monday One of us could go at any time later to decide upon a proper plot for the interment, and we will look while there so as to be able to give all theinformation possible. Harry wished to go to Hastings this afternoon but i thought he would be of little use if any - Harry will sent a copy of the Times, where the advertisement will appear on Monday. We are just going to see a house, fearful storm blowing, Love from both to all, in great haste for Post afftely FrancesJan. 5th 97 [* '97 *] The Laurels, College Road, Cheshunt. My dear Kitty Your letter gave me a shock at first I imagined poor Miss M. was dead - I cannot tell you how I feel, and am ready to be off at once if I can be of the smallest use. How wonderful it [*I have screwed my stylograph so tight I can not undo it, and it needs ink. *]should be apoplexy, as I rather thought such an attack came only to stout short necked people, of course my dear, I wrote to thank her for the card as I did to you but she must have forgotten about it. I have now written again, but hardly know what to say, as I suppose she cannot read her own letters? I do hope she does not suffer, but I suppose she is helpless, and I should think now she could not live long, Oh! Kitty what a blessing for her poor dear self when she leaves this world which has been so full of suffering for her, but what a wrench to those who remain to part with such a friend. I know youmust have your hands full dear Kitty, but I should be most thankful if you would send me some more particulars. Harry is not well this continual fog is too dreadful . The news the same from Léon. The doggies better - Love my dear to you both in great haste Your affectionate Frances [*1897*] March 14th 97. The Laurels, College Road, Cheshunt. My dear Kitty I was sorry not to see you last week, but hope both you and Dr keep well in this dreadful weather, really I wonder when the rain will stop. We have every now and then a very fine day but rain is sure to follow, and I am getting rather [* Is there any new of Ethel?*]sick of it. I have just had the sad news of the death of a very dear friend in Holland the Baroness de Nagell (Miss Marian will remember her name.) She had an attack of apoplexi and was then paralysed on the right side, and could not speak at all fortunately she did not suffer much, but how strange, she was 10 years younger than Miss M. and a strong woman good, being obliged to leave again quickly; and then also I am afraid of the reception I would get from Miss Anna who neither forgives nor forgets what she considers a wrong. I have very little news, Léon most fortunately continues well and I am beginning to now think of his return. My poor sister in law still most sad but calmer - You will let me know if you think of coming to town; thisweek I am very busy, but the next, only Wednesday and Friday are the [only] busy days, and only in the afternoon - My dogs are so happy before the fire, Harry gone to make a call, the weather was too bad for a walk - My love dear to you and Dr. and to the Dudley Road how I do hope dear Miss Marian does not suffer - Yours affectionately Frances Her attack came on the 11th Jan. and she died 3. Mar. Her poor husband is very very sad, and it is hard to think of him in his great Castle all alone as his children are all married, That was the family who received Léon like a child of the house the whole time he was at school before going to the Navy school, Had it not been for his Sundays spent there it would indeed have been dull for him, and thenI had a room and standing invitation to go when ever I liked, How sad it is to see the dear kind friends leave us. If Miss Marian does not ask for me, perhaps she has forgotten, and it is just as well, because I cannot stay long, and the partings are so very painful that it is perhaps not well to put me into poor Miss M's mind. Understand me dear Kitty, I am ready to go at any time, but I am of so little April 28th 97 The Laurels College Road Cheshunt My dear Kitty, Your news is indeed sad, it seems to me that both Dr. L and nurse are most grasping, of Dr. L I am not surprised it has always seemed to me that he thought South View and Sunny Sidemost profitable houses and his great fury against me was the thought I would make Miss M. worse and take such good pay beyound his reach, I only wish Dr. would send him away, I am sure poor Miss M. would now be perfectly contented with all Dr. did and that man who is no to get an attack. Oh dear Kitty how hard it would be for our Dr. however there is no use of thinking of all that could come I am less tired, but spring, and spring cleaning with willing, but very slow girls are most trying and then Harry has let him self run down and worries over the house, and Iworry over both and have bad nights I some times wonder whether the place suits us, and even if disagreeable to give up nice friends, it would not be better to try a higher and dryer air, as this place is certainly damp, but then again where to find such a place near enough to London It is all very troubling and I am very down in the dumps - Today finishes for the season some Parish work I have been interested in. Yesterday we had a Rummage sail, and made £20. clear for really nothing but what I would call the most perfect trashAll the morning I trimmed old hats with old odds and ends, and in the afternoon I made £1 10 1 by selling them with few exceptions, all under 6d I was rather tired as the day was like summer, and the human smell is not what might be called the most delicious of perfumes. Gutterman is a mischief maker into the bargain. Of course Miss A pours out her grievances to him, to my mind they want to get Mary completely out of the way and then the coast would be clear, with a friend of nurse's in her place and imagine Dr L's being impertenent to Dr. I should have thought forhis own sake he would have known better for he must understand that if Dr. was so pleased she would dismiss him, and then Ada does not like having a finger in the pie. Poor dear Miss M. why does she still have to live on in this fearfully sad condition? and suppose Miss. A. were at any time Jan. 12th 97. The Laurels, College Road, Cheshunt. How very sad my dear Kitty your news of Miss Anna, how I wish I were in Hastings to help in that quarter where I am sure I could be of use, as Miss A. has always listened to me, and many [*Please read the enclosed, then shut the letter and give to Miss M. if the contense is what it should be *]a time have I taken the Bull by the horns, as to my poor dear Miss M. if she has spoken of me I am sure she would like to see me, and I think Dr. L does not quite understand the po- -sition in which we stand to one another. I shall let this week pass, but next I think I ought to be allowed to see my oldest friend if only for a few moments. I know I am of no use where every thing is so well arranged, but to see one who has been a mother to me, and who has been so good to me seems only natural. I enclosea letter to Miss M. to you for certainly my letters are not given to her, I wrote at once upon hearing of her illness where for the third time I said I had received the Xmas cards, I now do so again and then if she does not under stand give up in despair. I am most thankful for your The Laurels, College Road, Cheshunt. letters my dear, as I am sure you have plenty else to do but I have grown nervous and anxious with all the illness which surrounds and am worried about my hus- band who will not take proper care of himself - I write in greathaste to catch the 12 o'clock post - Give my love to Miss A. and tell her that if she does not look after herself her Tyrant Pussikin will have to come down to keep her in order. Love, in haste Yours aff.tely Frances Nov. 18th 96 My dear Kitty Just a line to say how delighted we are with the "Medical Certificate" and in consequence of the good news if it suits you and Dr. I will arrive on Wednesday the 25th Nov.but not until the afternoon and will send a card to say just at what hour. I shall take a cab and suppose I can find some one to keep carry up my small trunk from the carriage - I think it would be best for me not to go up to Miss Marian on the day I arrive but the next morning at any hour you will be kind enough to arrange for me - Poor dear Miss Marian, I do hope if she is spared she may live without pain, it seems to me she has had her full share of it. I shall be glad to do all she wants me to as she says it willbe a comfort to her, Léon has still fever and his writing was very shaky in his letter received yesterday, poor boy, how his mother would like to cuddle him up. Good-bye dear love to you and Dr. Affectionately Frances Nov. 25th 93. My dear Kitty How kind of you to remember us, we are both ever so much obliged for your kind congratulations, and good wishes. The day passed pleasantly, I gave Harry two old fashioned silver dutch spoons (for table decorations), and the servants gave us a silver pickle forkwe were both very angry with them although touched they should wish to make us a present as the poor things send almost every penny to daughter, and sister who for the time at least is dependant upon them. It was our house maid's birthday also, we made her a nice little present in money and I had ordered a cake with her name on, and then stuck in two English flags, a dutch, and American one, it was an entire surprise, and both Mother and daughter were pleased - Mrs. Denniss is again without a servant, hers came down in the morning, told her she was ill, and intended to leave at once which she did. I am sorry for my young friend, but as she never speaks tothose who serve her otherwise than to give orders, I am afraid she will never keep a good one, They like to be treated with a little more kindness than that. I like my servants to feel they are with friends who take interest in them, and their's. What a naughty boy that Paul of yours is not to have written directly to tell you how [* GLENCOE, BROXBOURNE, HERTS*] he was, but young men don't seem to have the least idea of time, or anxiety, at least my chick hasn't. I enclose directions for socks, making them as clear as I could, but I wish I could have shown you to the end, it would have been better, I think I rather like to be teacher, itmakes me feel important I am glad you got Miss Marion out, poor dear! I do so hate to leave her. Kindest regards from my Lord and master and my love dear Kitty Your affectionate Frances [Oct 25 1896] Sunday - The Laurels, College Road, Cheshunt. My dear Kitty, I am so much obliged to Dr and you for the kind invitation, as I was wondering how I should arrange and indeed I have felt that Miss M. was no longer strong enough for even [*Kindest love from us both Yours affte. Frances*]me to remain with her all day, however that you will be able to tell me when the time comes for me to accept your kind hospitality which would be from a Monday to Monday some time later, and then Harry could come on the Saturday to take me back, It is so kind of you and I appreciate it very much. Miss M. had not told me of poor little Chadie's death, I am glad the little thing did not suffer she was a really old lady, 16 years, that is the pain of having pets, that they almost always go before us. I am so pleased you like Paul Hardy's wife What a happy thinghe is married, may his new life be a long and happy one - The sunshine only lasted three days today we have had thunder, violent rain and hail, and at one moment it was as dark as night. Since the 8th of Aug, last the weather has been almost always bad and I do wonder when it will stop. There is little or no news Sewing parties have commenced for the poor, and some dinners have been given, I am in it all feeling quite one of the place. Poor Léon has been laid by with fever and pain in his bowels, but the news is a month old so I hope he is better again, I have had rather violent diarrhoea but am better now. Mydoggies are well, and do good, Diane never leaves me except for the Sunday walk with Harry - they now have returned, and are stretched out as long as they are on the hearth rug, after having partaken of almost copious dinner - I will write a good time in advance to see if my time is convenient to Rock House I wonder whether we shall ever go to Saint-Jacut Dec 20th 93 My dear Kitty I had fully intended to write sooner and tell you how glad I was to hear you had had a pleasanter letter from Paul, for I admit I feel rather angry to think he was so carelessof hurting your feelings you are right dear Kitty to think I sympathize and can sympathize much better because I have a boy of my own and although he cer- -tainly has many real- -ly good qualities, still there are many faults to which I am by no means blinded I can assure you, and I try as far as is in my power to reason and show my child what he must fight against, fortu- -nately from early child- -hood Léon has been in the habit of speaking to me quite as openly as if I were a man, and this habit I have tried to make him keep to, since he hadno Father. Cannot a mother say any thing to her son! it is the way it is said which makes it possible or impossible. I also wanted to tell you that the young will seek the young, and that perhaps you would not see as much of Paul as you would like to [*GLENCOE, BROXBOURNE, HERTS.*] but this my friend is the lot of all Mothers. Miss Anna perhaps meant it in this way, but she has such an unfortunate manner of saying things (I know that) that she often hurts the feelings of her truest friends, but Miss A. ought to be made to understand that she has no rightto speak about Paul's history, it would be a shame, I should have no respect for anyone doing such a thing, as it would be wilfully causing great pain where it is entirely unnecessary, there is only one occasion where I think the whole truth ought to be told, in the question of a marriage, but in all else I think no word ought ever to be said, and I am sure anyone in a sound mind would be of my opinion. I do not tell Miss Marion I write to you it is useless as you say, I am so indolent in writing, as I am not feeling very well justat present. I have just had a card from Léon saying he arrives on Sunday or Monday for a fortnight so you can imagine I am delighted, but I do hope it will give up blowing so, we have had such storms. Our household goes on quietly neither Harry nor poor Jessie are ever very strong which often makes them both very low spirited, and then Mrs. Bath and I make our confidences to each other, but the cloud blows over, and peace comes again. Harry is going to look at a house on your hill, that would be an improvement, Merstham Redhill a few minutes from main line station, I amvery curious to see what it turns out to be. I hope poor Alice will not think she must answer me, I know how much she has to do, but I wanted her to know I had written, as some of my own family have thought me very heartless. Our kindest love and compliments to you and Dr. dear Kitty. Ever aff.ly Frances [*Dec 1, 96*] Sunday- The Laurels, College Road, Cheshunt. My dear Kitty I intended to write last week, but the days before Xmas are busy ones for me, I can understand all you say about Miss Marian, as long as one talks to her about different subjects where no[no] explaining is needed she goes on all right, and this I think is the reason that Dr. seemed to find her better, or rather more clear in her head, but when she wants any thing, and one has to try to tell the "wherefores" it is a most impossible task, and it is only when like you, who do the shopping, and I who have spent day after day, that you can really see how much the brain has failed. That some thing ought to be done about her money is certain, but I am afraid it cannot be done without giving great offence to poor Miss Marian but at any rate Miss A. ought not to have theholding of it, as she would not remember what was hers, or what was not, and her great desire to help those in need, who are to help her to get all this gold untold, makes her want all she can get, for I am sure she has helped Mlle de Post, and that this Mlle de P. is a very unprincipled woman. Miss A thought this her self some years back. Of course my dear I do not wish this mentioned as it is no affair of mine, and nothing that any member of the family can say or do will ever prevent Miss A. from doing just exactly as she likes, It is allvery sad and makes me feel very blue when I think about it, I find it difficult to write to Miss M. I cannot naturally now speak of any private matters, and there is very little passing in my quiet life. Did you feel the Earth quake? We did not, but some people here say they did. Poor Jack has hurt his hind leg, and can hardly walk, the others are well but are more fond than ever of the fire since the cold weather. I have first had such an abscess on and in my gum no end of pain, only to end by having a large tooth taken out which hurt dreadfully but I am comfortablenow, dear me! What a bother teeth are. I always write with my stylograph and do find it delightful the more you write with them the better they seem to grow. A bright Xmas and happy New Year to you and Dr., and believe me dear Kitty with kindest love from us both affectionately Frances Dec 30 96- The Laurels, College Road, Cheshunt. My Dear Dr The Laurels send their most affectionate good wishes to Rock House for the New Year with the wish always renewed that the two houses were not so separated_ I find it difficult to throw off the great [* My doggies are better and send greetings to cousin Burr I always write with stylograph and am so thankful*]feeling of sadness I have in thinking of poor Miss Marian, it seems to me that all must be so dark for her there was no more that brightness which she seemed to retain through all her suffering, and there the slow failure of her brain is so so sad, but I suppose it must be so, and that nothing is sent without good reason, poor dear friend how patient she has been, and how good and kind to me - I do hope you have been able to see a little after her money matters, for both ladies are completely in the hands of their servants, and with girls who naturally do not understand such matters, sooner or later it seems to me muddles must comeWe spent a quiet Xmas with friends, being able to give the servants their freedom for the first part of the day, we have since had one or two soirées (at friends) dine out tonight and tomorrow, with the New Year in with games, and plenty of fun with the quite young people, at a friends house, who always finds some thing for the boys and girls at this season of the year, Harry seems to me not quite as well as he has been, this time of the year is bad for him, and I am always afraid of that horrid Influenza which seems a good deal about just now - I am well and always busy, hav- -ing joined another sewing party by re- -quest of the wife of our Vicar. I enclose a letter I read in the Times,thinking you might like to see it. My poor sister-in-law seems sader than ever at the loss of her husband, Léon has fever still, I shall be glad to see him back again from such a terrible climate - Kindest love to you both dear Dr. Harry joins in a Happy-New-Year Most affectionately yours Frances July 18th 97 My dear Kitty Thank you for all the news, I am afraid I cannot give you so much in return, How sad to think that the poor dear friend still lingers, but such a blessing she does not suffer, that has always been a great worry to me that the time mightcome when she would, and the thought of it is dreadful. How funny of dear Miss M. to say the walking was like a Polar bear, she always used to consider it so, Poor dear! Now I long to see her, but always think the visit and above all the parting so very painful, that I do not like to go to her and I had better in every case wait until the [?] quar -relling has passed over. How wonderful that it lasts so long, but then without doubt Ada heaps on the coal - We still find no house fit to live in, it is quite useless for us who live so much in our home to have one where neither house or position suit, There was a charming one to be sold, but it was too expensive for us, for a moment I thought of asking the dutch sister in law to buy it, and that we should pay a good rent for it, but although hergrief seems no less, and that she has far more money than she knows what to do with, I fell sure on after thought she would refuse, so I did not ask. now we are rather in despair, and feel very low in spirits, we must leave in Sep that will be better as I shall be ready to receive Léon - The weather is lovely, I have profitted to have all my lady friends (Gabbies as Harry irreverently calls them) to tea in the garden and it has been most gay, it does seem hard when one has made pleasant acquaintances to have to pull up stakes and go, for it takes some time to feel at home with place and people When you write to Mr. Henry do ask him if he has ever received the copy I sent him of the autographs my Mother collected while here he promised to see if he could sellthem for me, as they are mostly American ones, and he thought would fetch a good price, it is certainly 8 months ago the letter went, and I should be glad, so glad to sell them if I could. My doggies are well poor [J??'s] lump looks bigger but he does not suffer, Jack always has his worm which we cannot help him to get rid of, they return a very affectionate bow-wow-wow to their cousin Burr who they think would enjoy the garden with them just now. Harry just come in and gone to take a cold bath. He has made me take his kind of morning bath, washing all over with hot water and soap, and then plunging into a cold bath, he thinks one does not take cold so easily but then I do not take cold easily, but like the cold water all over mein that way - I am de- -lighted you are to become a grandma, shall be glad to hear the little stranger has safely made his or her ap- -pearance, I suppose a boy is desired? - Harry's foot was a torn muscle, and he may not use it violently for another month. Our kindest love to you all ever dear Kitty Affectionately, Frances the morning, what an awful awful thing. Harry has been really ill for weeks, and he does not seem to get any better, it makes him so low spirited then it is all I can do to keep up my self, then worries are never ending in our family, his sister's husband is such a brute, camehome drunk the other day and banged her about frightening the children almost into fits, of course the sister write for pro- -tection upsetting my poor Harry dreadfully, 24 hours later she had forgiven him, that is what she always does and I think it most thoughtless of her to upset her family only to remain with that brute after all. My sister-in-law just as broken hearted so that I see and hear of nothing but trouble. A letter from Mr. [?] saying that it is possible my land might be sold for $3000, I shall let it go although it cost $6000 25 years ago. We can still find no house, we do not know what to do, and I[left] believe we shall have to go right away from Chesthunt. Thanks so much for the animal's friend. and we read with pleasure Dr's nice article, how was [?] that awful viviechou will be stopped - I am learning to bicycle but I am afraid Harry does not like it much he is afraid I will break my neck, but even he will have to take to it if we go away from [right] The Laurels Chesthunt Aug 1st 1897 My dear Kitty How sad all remains, and yet how wonderful out dear dear friend should still linger after all these months. That a blessing Dr is able to be such a comfort to her and to arrange everything I do not like to think [margin] Yours affec. your ally Franceswhat a state things would have been in without our wonder- -ful dear Dr. for al- -though Miss Anna in so many ways is very kind, yet from the time Miss M. went to live in [?], her real peace was gone, Miss A. just upon never came to see Miss M. and Miss M. would go in all weathers to see Miss A. often coming back worried, irritated and worn out, there was always a some thing grating in the visits, I think Miss A. has lived too long, and too much alone, and it seemed to me when I first visited in the Dudley Rd. that Miss A's influence was more, much more depressing than iteven was in [?], I en- -close Miss Spofford's letter she is kind to have tried to sell the auto- -graphs, I am afraid without seeing them they will not sell, and I should be so glad of the money, - I doubt whether the Historical Society can do any thing but of course they must remember Father's name. We are still quite as un- settled about a house. Harry is now taking a holiday to look about, but it is not easy thing. We feel as if we must try to find some thing permanent moving is so very expensive and to find a house within our means, in a neighborhood we like is more than difficult. I cannot bear to leave Cheshunt I really am happy here and the people areso friendly, to Harry it makes little difference where he lives, as long as the garden is nice and the house not too near the road, but I admit I would like one or two acquaintances where I could run in for a chat with my work and in going to a new place it takes so long to really feel fairly at home with people, but there is no house to be found here so that must be put out of my head, the time is growing short, and I believe we shall end by storing our furniture and living for the winter in an Hotel or Lodging, former -ly I would have thought that delightful, now I hate the idea, and then there are our dogs, Jack would be happy any where, but Diane and Jem wouldbe wretched, however I do not mean to think about it until it be- -comes really necessary. Mrs. de Bénery has been staying a few days with us she is not happy poor soul, her hus- -band always without any thing to do, her daughter a beautiful girl, but not strong and she her self grown so stout and such a stomach that there seems to be some idea of a tumour, I do hope it may not be the case, but it looks like it. Léon is well, but no time yet really decided for his return He is so sorry to think we have to leave the house he liked it as much as we do. I have been very gay. GardenParties almost every day, and the weather simply lovely, although at times very hot - Harry so so. I do wish he would go away, but it seems [a???????] until we find a house. I was thrown out of a [dou????] cart, nothing hurts but the point of my big toe making me [a???]. much love dear Kitty from us both to all and so much to dear "[Ma??] St. Hugh Harlow Dec. 8th 94 My dear Kitty You will see from my letter to Dr. that I have good news of my dear old man. I am so thankful! What a sad state of affairs, to my mind Ada is afraid of you and Dr. seeing through her littlegame, and sets Miss Anna against seeing you it is so sad at her age, but there is nothing to be done, and when one feels one has done one's duty one can bear any thing, How sad dear Miss Marian would be, but poor dear there was much very much to trouble her in years gone by, there was so little return of affection from Miss A. who seems to me is far more attached to strangers than to her own blood, She has sent me the most affectionate letters, but I am thankful not to be in Hastings for sooner or later she would say some thing, and even her age and all respect due could not keep me from riding a very high horsein defence of those I love, but it is Ada, that girl is sly and a smooth deceiver and I am sure is not quite straight upon money matters, but I am afraid nothing can be done - I sent a long letter to Miss A. have not yet received an answer. - I shall be glad of all the things you speak of but can bring them back some day when I see you I shall also be glad to see Agnes's letters, I am always inter- -ested in weddings Today the young couple who have taken the house next ours [ma???] and they take posses -sion at Xmas but I do not like the look of them at all, they are coarse, butthen I do not like Harlow any better than I did, nor do I like the people al- -though the Vicar has left me alone, and I think is rather ashamed of having been so hasty, Our house is damp, I mean the walls are not yet dried, and the constant need of fires every where give so much more work and trouble not to speak of the dust, and dirt - Still I suppose some day we shall dry, if it only does not make Harry ill. Poor fellow, he was tired of house hunting, but this house was a great mistake, I do so regret Cheshuntand the pleasant acquaintances - In flying hurry dear Kitty to catch the Post. - Ever your affectionate FrancesChesthunt - Sep. 14th 1897 My dear Kitty I had just sent a letter to Dr when yours arrived, telling her my poor Harry was ill in bed this morning the Dr announced he had congestion of the left lung, he told me I must not be frightened he was in hopes with caret would not grow [margin] Yes, just imagine Alice 49! Do let me know how Dr is.more curious, He coughs a good deal, and seems so weak! of course I can not keep being frighten- -ed and then the bother about the new house and the thought that in a fortnight we must be off, and not one comfortable corner in the house except the bedroom, thank goodness I did not be -gin [?] that room Oh Kitty it is all very hard it seemed to me bad enough that we might perhaps not have a home of our own, just when Léon was coming home, but now things have taken a far more se- -rious turn. Tomorrow I must go to see the new Landlord a Clergyman perhaps I shall arrange all right - I can [?] [?] all you do dearKitty in looking over the dear friends house -hold, when Father died I always felt as if I must first ask him before commencing, and then suddenly I would remember I could not, I only wish I could help you, you have had so much to do, and it is hard for you, but so good to get all in order for us, more than ever we shall be glad to get a change of air; We do not need either of the gas stoves, and I know you will be glad to get all that over, and do hope you will not get too tired in getting the house in order, I think we shall need a bed, we can certainly hire one some where, butI will write again all about that later as to Miss Anna, she told me when I saw her for those few moments, that she might have gone when I came, but of course should keep on her house, It was only if the money needed to get the treasure could be found, so I took no notice, as it seemed to me such a thing could never be, it would be simply awful if she were to return to that awful place, or even to France, and it seems to me if it comes to the point of moving, she will be stopped by the want of money todo so, of course when I come down I shall hear all about it as her thoughts even at our last sad meeting could not keep long to any other subject - I can ima- -gine you keep out of the way, I only hope she will never mention the name of that horrid [?] man to me, and then to think of a stranger taking our dear old friend to her last resting place while you and I were alive and able! I never heard of such a thing. Fortunately my dear Harry was well, and our dear Miss Marian hadloving hearts with her to the end, both Harry and I feel very much touched that you should all feel we were of any service, We feel as if it were not only the natural thing, but a loving duty. Harry all through hoped Dr. would let it rest upon him, and now he is so nervous lest Dr. will wish to go Waking to see about the last ar- -rangements, which as soon as ever he is able he will carry out - I have not forgotten about Mary's book I shall bring it with me, How is the poor girl, and what has she thought of doing. How is that dreadful Ada? how I do dislike that girl, she is notto be trusted - We shall not need the lamp dear. Now I am going to see about my poor boy's dinner, his ap- -petite is not very good, but still he does eat and thus far the nights have been fairly good, but I cannot help feel- -ing very nervous - Love from us both dear Kitty, most affectionately FrancesSt. Hugh Harlow July 12th 1898 My dear Kitty I would of course have liked to have given Mary away, but I feel as if I can not get to you in time as Miss Prius the daughter of my dutch friend is coming to us from the 20th to the 20thand although I do not like the girl, still it has been un- -derstood if I could have her on her way back to Holland I would do so for a few days, and I wrote to say she could come, I can not tell you how the visit troubles me, and was delighted at first to think there was an excuse to put her off al- -together, but Harry put it to me, as they are people in very sad circumstances they would proba- -bly be very touchy The girl had made up her precious mind she wasto stay with me for some weeks and that of course I would be de- lighted to have her, as she has and exceedingly high opinion of no 1 but I told her I was going to Hastings; to this she wished to know how long I was going to stay, she would come after- -wards, and remain with me until I went to Holland which she thought such a good plan, never doubting for a moment but what it would be agreeable tome, or that I might have many things to arrange, and that a girl I hardly know might be hindrance to me, The mother I knew well, the girl I knew little of, she was at school when I was in Holland, you can imagine her cool way of arranging things has not made me look forward with any joy to her visit, and knowing hardly any young people here I shall not know what to do with her - may I come to you on the 27th or 28thand then I would like to give Mary a wedding present, as the Prayer book, is in remembrance of dear Miss Marian, do you think the enclosed would be the proper thing to write in the book? and could you find out whether a china tea set would be acceptable? - Poor Miss Anna! has she now really got up to a million wonderful think of so much intelli -gence having been wasted upon such a delusion - I am saving my [se?] to day for my duties at the fete to-morrow, I do hope for fine weather or the thing will be a fiasco. It is funny my keeping the high Church people, but they need help their parish is so poor and then wonder -ful to say, this high Church Vicar is far more large in his views than the so called low church one I will tell you all about it when I see you. My poor Léon, I am afraid has mala- -ria fever, Amsterdam does not suit him, and India has laid a good foun- -dation for that sortof thing - I am always in a worry about some thing, and at times feel very wretched. I also thought of dear Miss Marian on the 7th it was also the 51st anniversary of my parents marriage Miss M often told me how hot poor father was - Love from us both to you and Dr. Aurevoir Affectionately Frances St. Hugh Harlow Aug. 8th 98. My dear Kitty Please first thank Dr. for her kind letter, and good advice, I was feeling very low and worried and she just exactly knows how to say the right thing at the right timeI had a letter from my poor sister in law to say she had to return to Wies- baden at the end of the month and wished me to visit her there instead of Holland, and return from Wies- baden by boat to Cologne, which would be very nice, Harry rather likes the idea, and per- haps the entire change might do him good, then if we liked we could stop on our way back a few days in Holland, or come home and go to the sea for a short time but if the cold weare having (we sit by fire) continues it would be too cold, but even the journey to Germany may do him good, and the rest and com- pany of Léon do the rest; He is so worried about his sister, all would be well if one could depend upon her word, but that is impossible; her husband, for the moment has left her, but when he finds out she is provided for he will turn up with out a doubt and she will give him all she has in hand Léon write me he liked his cousinMarie Levetzow very much, she was gay and bright, and he thought very good she was with his poor Aunt, but things are sad in Holland, a sister of one of my good friends age 40 dying from some internal trouble caused it is supposed from a fall from her bicycle as least she has never been well since then, and the brother of an other friend at death's door with liver trouble and dropsy age about 50, but he was very wild in his youth so it is hardly abrown ones are lovely so that I shall write for more indeed my shopping turned out so well, I mean to keep all I can for my next visit, I did so enjoy my self dear Kitty, how good it is to talk over the dear old times with friends of such long standing, I have been reading again bits of Dr's life, what a truly good and wonderful woman, and how deeply I appreciate and feel it a high honour to have such a friend, If it had been my mission in life to do any thing half so grand, I should have been stuck up to such a degree that kind Heaven just said you shall do nothing, and there is Dr. not caring a straw for anything but the results and I am glad she has lived to see what fruit her great work has brought forth. my house maid just returned from[left] her holiday saying she had a pleasant time, but is glad to get back - Don't forget ti give me Mary's address, and please tell Miss Rogers the initials of the little coverlids are for one M. C. the other A. H. she might not remember we have changed [left] St. Hugh Harlow Sep. 27th 98. My dear Kitty, At last I have the right ink, and can use my stylo. I was determined this time not to [?] and do any damage- Last night came the lovely little covers from Miss Rogers, they [margin] Love to miss Emma glad she is better.are charming, and how in the world she could have been afraid of not working them well enough when she has shown such skill, is mystery indeed all that little hesitation has been mystery - I have sent the P. O. and asked her if she cared to do any more work as I want much to have a cape made for my poor sister- in-law which needs to be festooned, I shall see what she will say - Our journey home was a good one, but rather rough passage, however I was not sick, and very glad I was, not to have to trouble my Harry to hold the basin, whichhe good man is always ready to do. The darling (Léon) met us at the Hock, and you can imagine my cup was quite full, but on reaching home we found letters telling us that poor Sidney Titterton had had to undergo an opera tion, we knew that he had inflamma- tion of the bowels but it seems that there was also stoppage and that blind piece of the bowel (I don't know the name) had to be removed. We felt very anxious as poor Sidney has such a worried life, and is not strong that we were afraid his strength would give out, most thank- fully all is goingon as well as possible but the wife, who is really insane, is in a fearfully excited state - She ought really to be put into an asylum, and there would be peace in the home, Harry is taking two or three days a week to cycle with Léon, and I do hope it will do him good, as he was very much impressed by his visit to Wiesbaden, Poor Kitty Luden is in such a sad con- dition that it is most painful to be with her, but she was so pleased to see us, as we do so sympathize with her, and many others seem to think she could be better if she would, which isfolly of course, you do not vomit every time you take a mouthful for your pleasure. She lives, it is true, but how surely that is one of God's miracles - I met dutch friends I had not seen in 10 years, they found me very little changed, I could not say as all much of them, like my Harry which is pleasant, how life goes on again the same, only very jolly, as Léon is well and bright, always happy and busy, and funny the girls are ready to run at his first call, and only wish "Mr. Gerken was always here" - I have heard that his Father hasrhumatisme in the balls of his feet and a polypus in his nose but as he was al- ways "un malade imaginaire" I should rather doubt the story - I no sooner come back to Harlow than my throat begins again to give me trouble, I suppose I really must see the Dr. to know if he can find out the cause, it seems to strange and any thing but pleasant, decidedly I don't like the place for more than one reason, and it is certainly too far from town for Harry, but where to go is a hard question, and I do so want to feel settledin our next move how I must write to Sidney's wife, not an easy letter as she is so strange. Oh! by the way dear, could you send me the blankets? They would be most useful now. Our united love to you and Dr. Affectionately, Frances