together—­the old schoolboy ways are so renewed, all bitterness so entirely forgotten, only Harry rages a little that he is not more wrapped up in Rose.  To say the truth, so do I; but if it were not for Harry’s feeling the same, I should believe that you had taught me to be exacting about my rosebud.  Partly, it is that he is disappointed that she is not like her mother; he had made up his mind to another Lucy, and her Williams face took him by surprise, and, partly, he is not a man to adapt himself to a child.  She must be trained to help unobtrusively in his occupations; the unknowing little plaything her mother was, she never can be.  I am afraid he will never adapt himself to English life again—­his soul seems to be in his mines, and if as you say he is happy and valued there—­though it is folly to look forward to the wrench again, instead of rejoicing in the present, gladness; but often as I had fashioned that arrival in my fancy, it was never that Harry’s voice, not yours, should say the ‘Here he is.’

“They all went this morning in the waggonette, and the two boys with Miss Curtis in the carriage.  Lady Temple is very kind in coming in and out to enliven me.  I am afraid I must close and send this before their return.  What a day it is!  And how are you passing it?  I fear, even at the best, in much anxiety.  Lady Temple asks to put in a line.—­Yours ever,
                                                  E. W.”

“August 3d, 5 P. M.

“My Dear Colonel,—­This is just to tell you that dear Ermine is very well, and bearing the excitement and suspense wonderfully.  We were all dreadfully shocked to hear about poor dear Bessie; it is so sad her having no mother nor any one but Rachel to take care of her, though Rachel would do her best, I know.  If she would like to have me, or if you think I could do any good, pray telegraph for me the instant you get this letter.  I would have come this morning, only I thought, perhaps, she had her aunt.  That stupid telegram never said whether her baby was alive, or what it was, I do hope it is all right.  I should like to send nurse up at once—­I always thought she saved little Cyril when he was so ill.  Pray send for nurse or me, or anything I can send:  anyway, I know nobody can be such a comfort as you; but the only thing there is to wish about you is, that you could be in two places at once.

“The two boys are gone in to the trial, they were very eager about it; and dear Grace promises to take care of Conrade’s throat.  Poor boys! they had got up a triumphal arch for your return, but I am afraid I am telling secrets.  Dear Ermine is so good and resolutely composed—­quite an example.—­Yours affectionately,

“F.  G. Temple.”

“Avoncester,
August 3d, 2 P. M.