I wonder whether you could do me a kindness? I know that you will if you can for the sake of old times
You know, I think, that poor John came home from Australia in a most alarming state of health? Well the poor boy does not improve and I fear that there is little hope of improvement. Now he does not leave his bed and the only amusement he has is in collecting stamps. That is a distraction and helps himp2to pass the weary hours. So if you can get him some stamps it will be a great kindness I know that you have friends in various parts of the World and perhaps you may have letters[2] from them. And any old Belgian or Luxembourg would please him
The poor boy suffers terribly both from heart and sickness and the dropsy[3] has increased very much. The Dr wants to tap him but he will not allow it as it weakens him so much. I suppose he will be obliged to have it done before long. It is very sad to see a fine young man prostrated in this manner. He is only 32. But it is God's Will andp3we must bear it as well as we can. Pray for him dear father, and for us also.
The 30th is our 41st anniversary,[4] how time flies!! Do you see Florence often? I forget her name in Religion Remember me most kindly to her when you see her or write to her. Ethel is back in Jersey.[5] I was hoping that they might have sent her here to Streatham,[6] if only for a visit and to see John but evidently they don't think of doing so
If by any chance you should hear of a nice family wanting an English governess, please think of Sibyl. she wants to get something to do, and shep4would prefer teaching to going to an Office. She knows French & English well but no Music
I should like to keep my daughters at home unless they had a Vocation for Religion but we must part with some of them as our expenses are great and Sibyl is the best fitted for going out.
Mr Weale has not taken his holidays yet but I think he will go to Liège soon.[7] He can't make up his mind as to what he will do. I don't suppose that I shall ever again see dear old Belgium.
I hope that you are keeping well. I am fairly well in spite of all my anxieties, and hoping that you will not mind my troubling you about the stamps