TALBOT9755

Melbury ¹
Dorchester
Friday Feb^y 10^th 1871

My dear Henry

I must write my good wishes for your Birthday tomorrow, from this, your Birthplace. It is the same dear old place as ever – with very little change – except in one particular whereat you will perhaps grieve, thought [sic] Harriot Mundy ² rejoices.

The poor old Greenhouse is gone – It was no beauty in itself – only we were always used to it, & the dark old bath behind it. Now you see the fine window of the old Library very well as you come down the hill from the turret – & the lower window into the library will be made good to correspond. Then Harry ³ is building a very large room beyond, for a library, & intends turning the present one into a billiardroom.

It stands well back, not to hide the house, & other old gables, & portions of the old house are seen, which were hid before. I hope it will be a success.

We have been here nearly a fortnight, & go today to Moreton, ⁴ till Monday, when we return here for 2 days, & then return West. Ernestine ⁵ sends her love –

Y^r aff^te Sister
Caroline

We made an expedition one day to dear old Redlynch ⁶ – I was charmed with it – & remembered it perfectly.