TALBOT8315

11 Moray Place

February 12.

My dear Henry

I am deeply grieved for the sad event which your letter has just communicated to me – I know your constant attachment from earliest childhood, to our Cousin Mary – and that such a tie could not be thus unexpectedly & rudely severed without causing you great pain. – I grieve too for poor M^rs Traherne, for whose sake this journey was perhaps imprudently undertaken. – and who has been consequently the unwilling cause of mischief. – I hope that ere this you will have been enabled to think over this mournful event more calmly. – and that you will dwell on the remembrance of what a happy life hers has been – Always giving pleasure to others – and helpful to her whole family in many ways – Her lot in life was certainly her own choice. – and I should fancy that few persons had had less care & more enjoyment than herself. – Nor am I quite so much surprised as you appear to be, at the suddenness of the closing scene – She had struck me as being much altered within the last few years – and trusting to a fine vigorous constitution she was always reckless of her health.

I too have mournful news to give today – and I would have written it yesterday, had I not been a good deal engaged till near post time. Poor Miss Maxwell died yesterday morning at Dabton – & the intelligence was sent to Matilda by telegraph, informing her at the same time that her husband could not return to Edinburgh till today. She was composed, and aware of her state & nearly free from suffering – Oh what a blessing in every case where the struggle is short! – M^r Clark will of course return to Dabton for the funeral, which is fixed for Saturday. This is a sad <ill. del.> cloud on our dear Matilda – but she is thoroughly unselfish – and thinks only of the sorrows of others – She is pretty well herself – and I have been with her today assisting in some indispensable shopping business – We had a slight fall of snow last night – and the streets look dirty & uncomfortable. but it is less cold than yesterday.

M^lle Amélina & Rosamond both caught cold the night we were at the theatre – and were besides very much fatigued on the following day – but they are better now. – indeed I may say Ros^d is well – but poor M^lle A is tormented at times with shocking tooth ache. I am glad to say that since yesterday morning she has had it much less severe – so I hope it is going off. Let me hear from you again soon dear Henry –

Your affectionate

Constance –