From Margaret Allen   Jan 11th / 53

Stanley Terrace¹ | Jan 11^th / 53.

My dear Tyndall

How shall I thank you sufficiently for your beautiful letter² the contents are indeed calculated to warm and console my heart. I had more than once thought of writing to acquaint you with the state of my poor darling,³ being assured from the sympathy you exhibited while here that you would be obliged to [come] again. I thought that probably you had not returned to Queenwood and that it would be better for me to wait.

He is truly suffering but so patiently, he looks so sweet & confused, his beautiful eyes constantly turned upwards that I ask myself, can this be the last [evening]? Poor dear, since last Wednesday almost every day has brought with it a resumption of convulsive struggles which are painful to behold, indeed I have asked what has such innocence provoked that he should thus suffer? between these he remains perfectly motionless, and unconscious of all around, he has not be sensible since the Saturday you were here. I hope from this that he does not feel the acuteness of the pain which his body evidently suffers. For four days until yesterday he had not spoken, when I observed his lips moving and I heard him whisper with difficulty ‘I must come, I must come’, and tried to articulate ‘Mama’ but the sweet sound was not to be heard and none has since escaped but the gentle moan of distress.

We have thought him nearly gone when he has again [revived] it is really astonishing how he recovers from these attacks, but Nature clings apparently, with such tenacity to life, in the case of children. After finding your letter I pressed my lips upon his brow, you will not be displeased I became your proxy.

I feel I must apologize for my seeming want of attention, when you were in Preston, the happiness & surprize caused by your visit, together with the situation you found me in, made one forget not only these little civilities which are requisite, but my mind appeared almost shrouded in chaotic darkness so that I both forgot and could not remember, the many things I wished to impart to you. the whole seemed a dream & had it not been for the tangible proof of your brotherly affection I believe I should altogether have doubted having seen you. I propose devoting this kindness to a payment for my pet’s likeness it had not been sent to me or else you should have seen it, it is exceedingly like him, though Sister Penny⁴ says and I think it is not so handsome or so sweet looking as our dear Charley; she is a favourite sister. I had thought of gratifying a long desired intention but forego the pleasure rather than ask for assistance where I perhaps should receive a [1 word illeg]; now when I gaze upon that beautiful forehead, pleasing memories of [1–2 words illeg] will fill this poor heart. Ah too ‘My heart’s [oppressed], my peace is o’er’, but, in full hope that youth and nature will provide a relief, I do not apply the latter clause of the verse, although the first is ever present in my mind.⁵ You will remember from whence the quotation is taken. I had more to say, something in regard of your letter to Robert,⁶ but I must conclude ever believe me your obliged

and sincere friend | Maggie Allen.

There is a postscript! I sincerely thank you for the circulars,⁷ I shall earnestly hope for your success in every sense of the word.

RI MS JT/1/A/69