WCP209

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Feb^y. 10th. 1890

My dear Violet

I hope you have now quite recovered from your enjoyable attack of influenza and are getting ready for your lectures on Natural History to the infants. Neither you nor Willie¹ have told us where you had tea on Saturday the 25^th. — whether at the Mennell’s or Booles’, neither have you told me whether you received any congratulatory Telegrams, which I sent off at 4.30 in order that it might reach [2] you about 6, as I thought if it came in as you were all at Tea & just engaged in cutting the cake it might cause a little excitement. Neither have you told us whether you wore your two rings on the eventful day, & whether anybody saw them, — so that we really know nothing of what took place as you do not even tell us whether it was Saturday or Sunday [3] when you cut the cake!

I am going to Sheffield on Thursday to lecture & then to Liverpool returning on Monday — & I believe I am going to London on the 26^th. to give my Evidence before the Royal Commission², — but it may be some other day.

There is no particular news here except poor Mr. Selfe having his window smashed in the night and £15 worth of rings &c. stolen. Two new visitors [4] have called Mrs.& Miss La Touche — rather nice they seemed. They live quite close. It is very cold now, east wind & frosty nights, so you must take care of yourself as a cold after an influenzza is often dangerous!

Your affectionate Papa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

D.C.L. LL.D. Sp[irituali]st Anti. Vacc[inato]r. L[and]. Nat[ionalisatione]r. &c. &c. &c.