TALBOT4126

Lacock

Jan^y 29^th

My dear Constance

I enclose a letter from Caroline ¹ – The book she has sent me is very curious: The prayers of some Armenian saint S^t Nerses ² in 33 different languages, which is doing great honour to the Saint’s memory I believe he lived in the 12^th Century. It seems possible that Prince Leopold ³ may recover from the present attack, but his health is always very feeble.

M^r Awdry has heard from D^r Nash who proposes to charge 80 £ per annum for Goodwin. ⁴

Parliament meets today, when Disraeli ⁵ will have it all his own way, since the Liberals have got no leader – There is remarkably little stirring in the political world this last autumn and winter – If there had not been a revolution in Spain there would have been nothing. I feel interested for the boy Alphonso ⁶ seated so suddenly on a turbulent throne, he seems to have behaved hitherto remarkably well and to have shown much spirit. The Pope ⁷ is embarassed between him and Don Carlos, ⁸ both of whom profess themselves devoted to him and warm upholders of the Church, but as Alphonso is sure to win, I think the Pope had better adopt his cause and dismiss Don Carlos with his blessing.

Adieu

Your aff^te

Henry