Grasmere Sept 20

My dear Henry

I have this day written to M^rs Kelland to enquire after our friend the Professor. Whether or not she will be in a state to answer my letter, I know not – but she has perhaps some one with her who undertakes to do so for no doubt she must have received many such letters. I agree with you in being astonished that the Queen should have chosen to take a night journey by railway – It was a strange fancy – and I am of opinion that the case justified, and was called for, we cannot remonstrance on the part of her responsible advisors, the Ministers – we do not hear however that any attempt was made to dissuade her. – I am glad to hear that you have been out again in the garden – We have still rather showery weather, alternated with fine days, and the country is becoming more & more beautiful, in proportion to the advance of Autumnal coloring – M^r Fell called here today, and gives M^lle A much encouragement – He says she is looking so much better - and hopes by degrees to produce a more healthy state of the skin – A week or two now will probably make a great difference; and as we hear nothing from M^r Marshall, I have little fear of his disturbing us until we are quite ready & willing to move. M^r M. is still at Paris, & M^r Green has received no communication from him, which he w^d certainly have done, had the house been let.

I believe I have always forgotten to tell you that George Hallam has formally declared his intention of leaving our Service as soon as we return home – A year back I might have regretted him; but since he now makes no secret of his principles, which are those of a confirmed Radical & Chartist, &^c which have doubtless been the sole cause of his dissatisfaction with the duties of a Servile Station, I think the sooner he goes the better. – Goodwin thinks we have no occasion to look for a successor to George at present – as he can do with our footman at Lacock Abbey. and I suppose Thomas has no thoughts of taking himself off. I am rather glad that the reduction of our establishment to its usual size sh^d come naturally, without parting with a servant that we might have cause to regret afterwards. – What do you think of this affair in China? – has it occasioned the calling of a Cabinet Council at Balmoral? – I would send back Lord Elgin, who managed the Chinese so cleverly when he was there before –

Your affectionate

Constance