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Wednesday [9 October 1861]

My dear William. Here is a letter of Georges that is worth sending on. It is a pity poor old Frank got into trouble with his exam. All the fine weather is gone here, & it is raining hard, so we shan't be able to have any croquet.

We quarrelled over it a good deal yesterday. Mamma has just found yr letter in the pocket, & thanks you very

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very much. Mama says it wd be great pity if Mr. Falls was to be warned. It all sounds most comfortable. I shd think old Mr Falls must be rather a bore. Mr. Sowerby came down on Monday but without any drawing paper so we had to scour the house for any old scraps. Dr Hooker sent him a lot of foreign orchises just in the nick of time. I have been two rides since you went, one up to Berrys ─ it is such years since I was last there, not since

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Miss Thorleys days I believe. I do wish we had H. Hemmings to ride with. Miss Pugh comes on Saturday, after seeing poor Mr. Hawk on Friday. Yesterday Mamma went to the Union with 50 packets of Brandy balls & 30 of tea. She has got over her headache. I am afraid it was Knole gave it her, with Mary Peters farewell visit for a finisher. We have gathered the pears & Orange Blue berries, such beauties I never saw. Mamma will write soon

Goodbye dear William

I hope it wont be very long before you

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can come & see us

yrs affect

H.E.D