[1]

Down, Bromley

Monday [September to October 1863]

My dear William

As mama is going to write this is only a scrap to thank you for your two letters which we were very glad to get which arrived just after I had despatched my laconic epistle. I had been

[1v]

busy & as I said before I didn't think you were too virtuous yourself or I wouldn't have been so short & scant of breadth as [illeg] says.

The boys are staying all Tuesday evening which is very jolly. They spend the most of their day in eating pears & walnuts listening

[2]

to Trollop tales of old countries wh. is a capital book. It is wonderful how much of their company Papa stands — I think it shows his head must be much stronger. He had escaped sickness these 4 nights now & had good days between.

goodbye dear W.

yours

H.E.D