[written on the same sheet as a note from Horatia - see Doc. No: 00096]
Paris
6th Jany
My Dear Henry
We conclude you are very much amused as you write seldomer, but as to where you are or how you are, we are left very much in the dark. This place is filling very fast & is considerably gayer than it was, tho’ nothing very delightful. Your little Poetical Star plant your Metrosideros is dead, but we have preserved its mummy religiously for you. Those left upstairs in your sister’s Study room are flourishing one Narcissus is in full blow & smells as sweet as in its native plains which Caroline <1> says were the environs of Constantinople. I do not think Giovanni <2> tries to get a place, he is persuaded he is to go back to you, on your return. It is very bad of you not to write oftener, when you know what a pleasure your letters are. Méchant Henri! <3> is often exclaimed au coin de notre feu <4> in the domestic circle. We have looked at an Italian who speaks 8 languages, has been prisoner at Moscow & would do for us or anybody. I want Mr. F. <5> to take him
yrs ever
E F
W. Henry Fox Talbot Esqr
Melbury <6>
Sherborne
Dorset
Notes:
1. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister.
2. Probably Giovanni Percij.
3. Bad Henry!
4. Round the fire.
5. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.
6. Melbury, Dorset: one of the Fox Strangways family homes; WHFT was born there.