TALBOT2718

Heidelberg –
Sunday.

My dear Henry

We rejoice exceedingly in your successful visit to the Bâle post office. – but is it not really too bad to give such a vast amount of trouble in getting possession of our letters, with the additional vexation of delay? – And what serious mischief may not infrequently result from such delay! Matilda ¹ gives an excellent report of her little Willie, ² also of James Ferguson ³ about whom they had been under great anxiety, but the air of Ross Bay ⁴ seems to giv have given him a new life: and he was to remain there to the end of July, when the Clarks themselves would be going back to Dabton. ⁵ Fortunately I directed my letter from Heidelberg the other day to Dabton which was all right. Tilly says that her husband had been detained 3 weeks in London, which I fear had interfered as much with her comfort as with his – as it would limit her excursions in search of the picturesque – She had however made several sketches that pleased her – She says she cannot yet quite realize the fact of our being so many miles away – especially as our letters had reached her in 2 days the same time that the post takes from Lacock Abbey – She made out this list of Plants for you – and enclosed it in her letter to M^lle Amélina ⁶ who begs me to send it on to you.

You will want a report of dear Mamie’s progress since you left, and I am glad to say nothing has occurred to make us fear that we may be on a wrong course of treatment, as she is now able to take nourishment in small quantities without encrease of suffering, which shews that the digestive organs are in a somewhat im better state. Still she must be very careful for some days to come, before I can hope to report anything more decisive of her convalescence –

We have had a stir among the students each of these last days: as they are keeping a kind of fête – their annual reception of ci devant ⁷ Students who come from distant parts on their invitation – They had fire works by the side of the Neckar ⁸ – throwing a beautiful red glow over the Castle, & bringing out every portion of the building as clearly as by day. – Then a torch light procession with music &c &c.

Pray write us a full account from Lucerne of your plans for the next few days – & whether or not you have met Charles ⁹ – We expect you will find letters at the Poste restante at Lucerne, for some of us so pray make diligent enquiry – and forward them to us here – as there is still plenty of time. Did you not want your Great Coat – & telescope which we discovered still in our salon, shortly after you left on Friday? It was a pity Goodwin ¹⁰ forgot to remind you of them – but I suppose he gets flurried & trusts to Bayer ¹¹ looking after these things –

Matilda mentions the weather at Ross Bay having completely changed from very hot to cold – the same as with us –

Your affectionate
Constance

If you meet Charles, ask him to write to England for Chlorodyne–¹² if he has not already done so. –