TALBOT9723

13 Great Stuart St.
Thursday 24^th Nov.

My dear Henry

I sent you the promised telegram today – and told you in it of Goodwin ¹ being so much better. He is now quite quiet – no wandering of the mind – The attendant who was placed with him by D^r Moir ² left this morning, being no longer wanted. – He is a very respectable man, and has promised to get for us a suitable man Servant on a Job, to take Goodwin’s place – So you may feel quite satisfied that all will go on right for the present. as long as G. is confined to bed: which will be some time, on account of his great muscular weakness. The pulse is much better & stronger than it was. He now only requires to be fed often. with beef tea, & pudding to keep up his strength. And one of our own Maids to sit in the next room (your room) within call – He will not require to be nursed out of the house. until he is fit for change of air – and then will be the proper time to decide upon his future fitness to resume his duties – D^r Moir expects that he will leave his bed, a reformed man. – but I doubt the possibility of reposing confidence in him hereafter. – I think our people at Dabton will soon fix a day for joining us. – they proposed to come immediately on first hearing of Goodwin’s illness. – but I asked them to delay a little, as the household as well as the house are scarcely ready for any addition – We shall get straighten in a few days. Ela ³ & I are quite well, and are going out for an hour’s business to the tradespeople. – but the day is gloomy & rather foggy. – Ibby Spedding has written to Dabton, & desired a message to us communicating the sad intelligence of her Uncle’s sudden death. M^r Spedding of Mirehouse. ⁴ It was from disease of the heart. none of the family having been aware of his precarious state. It is singular how often heart disease remains unnoticed. – I shall be glad to get your answer to & remarks on my letter of yesterday. – I suppose it cannot be before Saturday –

Ela’s love –

Your very affectionate
Constance