Sunday July 20th
My dear Henry
Will you order Jones <1> to bring down with him these books which Madlle Dutscheck <2> has recommended for the children’s <3> use. – I have no doubt that they may all be got at the Juvenile Library in Bond St. next door to the Western Exchange – except the 2 pieces of music at the bottom of my list – for which he must apply at a music seller’s – We are setting out well – and I liked Mlle D. the better for not wishing to begin studies in a hurry – yesterday was employed in looking through our little stock of books – and making arrangements – communicating ideas &c There is great promise of our attaining the object of our wishes in her. – She seems to feel that the one difference between good teaching & bad, shews itself in the pleasure which children take in their studies – I suppose she noticed in my manner of speaking of the children, (when I tried to make her acquainted with their different ways & dispositions) that anxiety which I know I am guilty of feeling on all subjects which interest me: for I had some trouble in persuading her that I was not impatient to push them on in their studies & see them clever all at once. – She has a calm gentle manner in all that I have yet seen – & much expresses a great desire to have my approval of her method &c &c – Several little things in their books which I pointed out to her as objectionable she quite agreed with me about – so I do feel very hopeful about it all. – I invited her to join me at tea & sit with me while I was alone – which she does – You must not forget to tell me where I must direct to you after Tuesday. –
Your affecte
Constance –
Notes:
1. Jones, servant.
2. She remained as governess to WHFT's children until March 1846.
3. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter; Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter; Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3rd daughter; and Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.