You are not likely to find “the like of” your present surroundings on leave in Scotland, least of all as to sunshine and flowers.  One doesn’t go to Malta every day.  I wish I was there!  But I can’t be, and ten to one should catch typhoid where you only smell orange-blossoms, and I don’t think my sins run in the Dog-in-the-manger line, and I hope you’ll quaff your cup of content as deeply as you can.

For one thing winter has returned.  We had snow yesterday, and the east wind, the Beast Wind! through which I went this morning to send your telegram was simply killing; dust like steel filings driving into your skin, waves of hard dust with dirty paper foam.—­Ugh!!—­Spend as much of your leave as you and your friends think well where you are.  I’ve waited three years.  I can wait an odd three weeks and welcome!  Especially as I am up to my eyes in packing and arranging matters for our new home.  What I do hope is you will be happy there!  But I believe in laying in happiness like caloric.  A good roast keeps one warm a long time!

How often I have thought that philosophers who argue from the premiss of the fleeting nature of pleasure, might give pause if they had had my experience.  A body so frail that nearly every pleasure of the senses has had to be enjoyed chiefly after it had “fleeted”—­by the memory.  Pictures (one of my chiefest pleasures), the theatre, any great sight, sound, or event, being a pleasure after they (and the headache!) have passed away.  The “passing pleasures” of life are just those which this world gives very capriciously, but cannot take away!  They are possessions as real as ... marqueterie chairs!  Of which—­more anon,—­when you return to the domestic hearth.

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I had such a round in Wardour Street the other day!  I do wish for a Dutch marqueterie chest of drawers with toilet glass attached, but he is L8!  Too much.  But (I must let it out!) I got two charming Dutch marqueterie chairs for my drawing-room for 35/- each.  You will be surprised to find what nice things we have!...

TO MRS. JELF.

7, Mount Street, Taunton. June 3, 1883.

DEAREST MARNY,

I know you forgive a long silence—­especially as I have “packed in spite of you “!

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I took lots of time over it all.  All my “remains” are piled in cases in the attics, and I have arranged “terms” with the Great Western, and hope to do my moving very cheaply.

We had need economize somewhere, for, my dear! we have been VERY extravagant over our house!!!  I should like to hear if you and your dear ladies (I know Auntie would be candid!) think we have been wisely so!—­Our predecessor had a cottage and garden for L35—­the Col.  Commanding only paid L55—­and we are paying L70!!!