[1]

31, Kensington Square, W.

Oct 20. 96

Dear George,

Yes, Miss Pugh [Mary Ann, former governess] has been dead nearly 2 years.

I am thankful to say R. has had a splendid night, & so we'll do the pension job this morning.

But I shall take a day

[1v]

or two to think once my views about the different pensions –

I should like very much to have the box of old letters & if I find any from living persons will put them aside unread & see what orders you send.

I wish that the country might buy Down, but

[2]

it doesn't seem to me very likely. Mrs Ogle was saying that if it was let, she believed it would let much better furnished – The Lushingtons rented Ockham furnished for about 40 or 50 years.

The furniture would fetch next to nothing when sold by auction.

Thank you for sending

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me the list of what mother left me – I am touched at her leaving the two dear ugly blue jars on the mantelpiece which I shall care to have – And Aunt Susan's inkstand I think was broken 20 years ago or so.

It was the one that the ink dried up in in one moment, but I shall like its remains if they exist.

[3]

I am quite puzzled as to what the black & white vase is.

Uncle Rases one is black & red. Also I didn't think there was a picture of Maer in her bedroom – the little ghastly one which she was very fond of was in her upstairs sitting room, [illeg] any way.

[3v]

The red plate is no [illeg] the Dc Morgan which I gave to the Grove.

Water colour of Shrewsbury is given back to M.V.W. so do not hunt for that.

If no one is left the little water colour by Ellen Tollet, I should have a sentiment about

[4]

it & I think it is worthless as art. I think she once said she would leave it to me – but I daresay she forgot – It was not very long in her possession (only after Ellen's death [1890]) so it would have no primordial associations for anyone.

She said this autumn when I said I wished I could buy an armchair

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like the kind of which there is one in drawing room & one in study that she should give me one.

I daresay this may be remembered if we are allowed to have any keepsakes from Down furniture.

Do send me a wire if you can an hour or two before you come to see me. I shd much like to see you. yr affect HEL

[From p. 1:] I am so sorry you are still bad.