Speddoch
Wednesday Aug 8

My dear Henry

I was sent off for most unexpectedly yesterday to come to Speddoch without a moment’s delay. My dear Matilda having been taken ill on Monday – and yesterday she gave birth to a still-born son – She is better now – but the case is a grave one – and D^r Moir considered it very serious when he arrived to see her yesterday – He remained till 7 o’clock this morning – and finding her better, and the fever in a great measure subdued, he ventured to leave her – but he will be here again tomorrow Evening & pass the night –

She is attended by D^r Chalmers of Thornhill – who is attentive and judicious – It was an attack a flow of blood to the head which induced vomiting & convulsions and produced this sad result. – But her consciousness is beginning gradually to return: whenever she rouses for a few moments from the state of sleep produced by stupor – D^r Moir thought her decidedly better today.

My next bulletin will be to Oakfield – and I doubt whether this will reach you in London. Nobody is at Oakfield but Ela & Charles –

Your affectionate
Constance

[envelope, "Speddoch, Dumfries, N.B." printed on flap:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Athenæum Club
London S.W.