TALBOT4174

Mount Edgcumbe ¹
Devonport.
Sunday 13^th Feb^y – 1875

My dear Henry

I intended writing to you on the 11^th but was not able to do so, nor yesterday – Il vaut mieux tard que jamais ² however – & I therefore send you a few lines to day to wish you joy & many happy returns of your Birthday.

I wonder if you have any appearance of flowers yet, in Wiltshire At Melbury ³ there was nothing out but a few poor little snowdrops & winter Aconite.

Here we have Jasminum nudifolium [sic], Laurustinus beginning, & Crimson Rhododendrons. The season seems very backward – tho’ this afternoon has been beautiful, after a stormy morning.

Tell me please what you think is the meaning of the word Maranatha, after Anathema, in the Epistle to the Corinthians, I think. I always supposed it meant something the same as Anathema – but the clergyman here explains it differently – & says there should be a stop between the two words. But I want to know your explanation.

We stay here another week as the hot water apparatus is not yet finished at Cotehele. ⁴ My love to all, & Ernestine’s. ⁵

Y^r aff^te Sister
Caroline