I have not forgotten that it is your Feast-day,[1] and as I cannot very well come and see you, I write and wish you very many happy returns of it. I hope that by the time your next feast comes you will have quite recovered your health and spirits, and I have heard Mass for you this morning, with that hope.
And now to go to another subject viz. that unfortunate girl whom you spoke to me about. I have spoken to several in hopes of hearing of something but have not succeeded as yet, but Mrs Thompson promised to speak to Miss Lecoutre[2] about her and I think it very likely that she may be able to get her something to do.p2But at the same time, dear father I think it right to warn to be very cautious the poor girl may be good, but it seems to me that you have very little real knowledge about her, in fact the good nuns who sent her only knew her for three day, if I understood you correctly I think I ought to say this because there was a sad affair some years ago, with a protestant girl here in the town. You may perhaps remember the case better than I do for indeed I have forgotten the particulars.
I did not write to Miss Bathurst[3] as it came into my mind that if she heard of anything it would not be in Bruges, consequently the girl would have to give up your instructions, and that would be a bad thing; but if you think well I will write any day you like. I have not heard from Mr Weale and Frank for a week, but I suppose they will come back some day this week.