TALBOT7849

The Winter Villa ¹

Thursday April 14^th – 1859

My dear Henry

I was very glad to hear from you again. From the tenor of your remarks, I think you must have seen my letter to Amandier ² – as I told her that I could have wished a more brilliant parti ³ for Matilda, ⁴ though I do not recollect whether I said so to you. But I also said that I was not one of those, (as I think she must know,) who think that happiness depends much upon worldly advantages – Quite the reverse – If he is really worthy of Matilda, & has a comfortable fortune, I shall think she has chosen well. – I quite agree with what you say about the harm, & cruelty, frequently committed by Parents – (tho’ less now, I think, than in olden time) – so pray do not imagine that I think you have acted wrongly – As far as I know, you seem to have been most kind, & done the only thing you could, under the circumstances. I only meant that if with all the qualities necessary to ensure a woman’s happiness, & the sympathy, (without which I fear the good qualities would be insufficient), a greater portion of worldly advantages had been combined, I should have been all the more pleased – as I think Matilda calculated to adorn any station. But she may be quite as happy, & as good in a less brilliant sphere. I hope you understand me now?

I am so pleased that you like my letters. I am sorry you were so tired – I fear you are not well – I wish I c^d see you.

Now I have a piece of news. Valletort ⁵ is going to stand for Plymouth! He received the first intimation of the wishes of a large portion of the respectable Electors to that effect, just after attending a lecture by the celebrated Barnum on Humbug! ⁶ not a bad preparation for Electioneering business. – A Deputation came yesterday with the requisition, & this morning his address appeared – & was placarded over all the walls. He does not at all wish to be in Parl^t, but be could not refuse under the circumstances – & many people say they would vote for him if only because he is a gentleman, & in order to turn out the Radical & (formerly bankrupt) White. ⁷

Let me hear again soon

Y^r aff^te Sister

Caroline

I will send you a pamphlet Milord ⁸ published about a week ago, which you may like to see, even if you do not agree.