TALBOT6443

Grasmere July 25^th

My dear Henry

I have just received your most interesting letter from Berlin dated the 21^st and yesterday that of the preceding day from Hanover. –

I am delighted that your weather is so bright, giving a good promise for the 28^th the great day of the Eclipse – and I hope nothing may interfere with the success of your observations – M^r Vardon¹ told me he had heard that some astronomer (he could not say whether it was you) meant to compel the Sun to make his own picture during the stages of the Eclipse. – The colored glasses arrived yesterday from Watkins & Hill with a civil note. – and your own letter of explanation by the same post, most à propos. – I should have guessed however that they came by your order. – I will send one to Charles today, as you desire. I hope he will be able to use it on his journey – for M^r Williams adheres to the 28^th being obliged to accommodate himself to the arrangements made for the schoolfellow with whom Charles travels. – I cannot say as much in praise of our Skies as you do of yours – but we have had some bright pleasant days – yesterday was particularly so, and M^lle Amélina enjoyed herself very much in walking with the Girls from [Pelter?] bridge round Rydal & Grasmere Lakes home – while I drove on to Ambleside. Monday also was a bright pleasant evening and Tuesday was perfectly fair, mild & pleasant – very favorable for our long expedition to Keswick – We had Ela with us & did exactly the same as on the former occasion with Rosamond – we went to the Queens Head & were satisfied with the charges – We saw M^r Wilson, very flourishing – but the whole town was lamenting the death of M^r Myers, the news having been received that morning – You remember he was in declining health last year & I believe long before – & he had gone to Clifton for change of air – He was generally beloved. – You cannot think how many bows & greetings with we received on driving through the town of Keswick – We are great people there.

I am glad you have seen D^r Lepsius. I don’t quite like the modern manufacture of Egyptian antiquities; but it is very curious to have discovered the material & tools used by the Ancient Egyptians themselves. – M^lle Amélina will be delighted with your account, which I would not impart to her at the first moment, for fear of being hindered in writing to you & losing the Post – & I wish to ensure this reaching you at Berlin. I will observe your new direction, & my next letter shall be to Hesse Cassel, unless anything extraordinary occurs in the mean time – All your daughters are well – and myself full as strong as I am sometimes. – M^lle Amélina still suffers from the rhumatism [sic] which attacked her before you left us – but she gets about & is certainly better. –

All are very cheerful & busy when the weather is fine, and when it rains, we endeavour to be patient and are still busy – M^r Vardon has greatly praised some of his pupils’ late attempts from Nature which encourages them greatly. They send many loves to you –

your affectionate
Constance –

The money was paid to the Keswick Bank – & I also received your 2 [fives?] in a letter – thanks. –