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Sunday ─

(Sep. 10 82)

DOWN,

BECKENHAM, KENT

RAILWAY STATION

ORPINGTON. S.E.R.

My dear George

I have left you a long time without a letter; but I have been in my bed these 3 days with a cold & a dawdling sort of sore throat. It comes at an unlucky time as we have U. Harry & the Kempsons. The girls & Johnny devote themselves to lawn tennis & Lucy & B– seem to suit well—

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but I don't think I shall be able to talk loud for some days. Hen. is here while R. is gone to the Lakes to meet some College friends for a few days — It must be odd feeling so entirely English in Ireland. You don't mention the Dau. & sons— (I will say nothing at Barlaston about your going to Scotland) Laura is here, & as she knows everything she & Johnny were

[3]

busy last night making a tail for Bernard's kite a birth day present from Hen. Frank drove him to Bromley to buy a tri–cycle which he had been full of for weeks; but when he saw it he lost all inclination for it (Fr cd not imagine why) & came home quite jolly without it. The Godfreys & Effie start for the Riviera in a few days. It is very generous of T. H. to spare Effie for so long a time. Godfrey is tol. well— but his nerves

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must be in a sad state, as he was utterly done up by a short talk he had w. R. about the Franke affairs & had to go to bed. I am afraid the Frankes have some irons in the fire, & hearing what his style of business was, e.g. paying without taking a receipt, & not the least knowing who was paid, it is hopeless to think of any scheme answering of which he has the management.

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R. & Hen. take Laura to Paris in the beginning of Oct & Effie comes that far from the Riviera to convey her South, besides lending her maid to her — so she is well off in friends. Elinor invited you to come & see her; but Hen told her about you — & if you cd have gone, I doubt whether it wd suit you as their cottage is like the open air only a few inches thick—

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I am desperately impatient about Egypt. I find we have 2 cousin Hollands there besides Frasers & Wildmans—

I hope this will reach you–please send Sir W Thomsons address tho' I ought to know it —

yours my dear old man. E. D