Edinburgh
I am still a sojourner in Scotland for many reasons too long & uninteresting to write you but which I can explain when we meet.
I received your favoured letter of the 21st of Novr and was a little astonished to hear of poor Mary’s fate. God grant it may turn out for Her advantage poor child. she will have her own portion of the cross but I think she will eventuallyp2turn out well all will depend into whose hands she falls. I regret for her sake I have been so long detained here but you may rest assured I shall look after her when ever I return which I think will be next Thursday - This Evening I am going to Mid night Mass a mere handful of worshipers round our dear Lord here. lonely greeting indeed! it makes one sad living in such ap3Protestant place I am truly glad I am not obliged to reside in Scotland but I think it is a good visit over in a pecuniary sense as I have sufficient to go on with again for a little & of course will return to Bruges!
I have got Fred into a very good house in London & he is very happy, good, & content. When I return I go to see Robt at Aldershot. George is all right but does not care for his Latin he takes after his Mother as she makes a sad bungle of her office!p4I have not been able to get any thing for the Isle of dogs[1] yet but wait a bit & I will see. Would you still advise Emily Lathy to come to Bruges She is better here in my humble opinion as she has many kind friends and we have enough poor English in Bruges Poor girl I think she better leave well alone? I have not been so fortunate in Blandford Square previous experience of the Nuns there are not altogether favourable I sent a poor unfortunate Lady there once but they had not too great a stock of patience with the erring one. and soon dismissed her. I hope Mary will fare better do let me know & if she is stillp5there. or if in a situation that I may hunt her up. -
I hope your own health improves the Winter is rather trying for weak chests -
I have had invitations to go here, there, & every where on visits but declined them all. too much dissipation of the mind. I think of you & your advice and also feel that life is ebbing away with little fruit will be glad to be quiet I suppose you will smile! -p6& hardly believe it never the less it is true however patience “In coelo quies”![2]
I will be more than pleased to hear from you when you find a spare moment