My dear Henry
My collection today is but small for the remarkable novelties do not strike me as being very numerous and the Sun scorched me quite while I was only gathering those few The Acacias are coming into flower beautifully with their lovely white blossoms
I am sorry you send me such a very poor account today you cannot of course think of leaving them, if he continues to grow worse and I shall not therefore expect you A Poney has been sent for my inspection this morning in consequence of my having said I wished for one It is now in the possession of Farmer Clarke <1> who says that if you like to buy it & should afterwards become dissatisfied with it he will take it back again at the price which he now asks for it eleven guineas.
I have made answer that I can do nothing without your approval & that therefore it must remain till you return
It is very strange that you did not get that letter when you applied for it because I sent it as I said I should by the same post which took my letter to you Ela <2> has behaved much better about going to bed lately we now deprive her of some of her favorite playthings whenever she transgresses and this method answers perfectly Both the children are quite well Rose <3> grows more & more voracious & eats twice a day I mean once in the day & once at night
Your affectionate
Constance
Friday morning
If you have time to execute a commission for me I wish you would procure from Hatchards a very small publication, entitled, the Knitting Teachers Assistant.
H. F. Talbot Esqr
Notes:
1. David Clark, of Inlands Farme, near Lacock.
2. Ela Theresa Talbot (25 Apr 1835 - 25 Apr 1893), WHFT's 1st daughter.
3. Rosamond Constance Talbot (16 Mar 1837 - 7 May 1906), 'Rose'; 'Monie'; artist & WHFT's 2nd daughter; died & buried at San Remo, Italy, with a memorial at Lacock.