Athenæum
Wedny 28 July 1869
My Dear Constance
This is a miserable day in London, of fog and heavy rain. At noon a yellow fog passed over the town, so dense that the newspaper could only be read when held close to the window and then only with difficulty. The fog is now whiter, but the rain heavier. I received this morning your letter of Sunday last from Neuchatel. I am afraid the dull weather deprived you of the view of the Bernese Alps which the windows of the hotel Bellevue look upon. I am very glad you received a comfortable letter from Monie, and that they have found a comfortable doctor whom they are likely to meet again at Rome.
I left Paris Monday evening & arrived at Boulogne, Hotel des Bains at midnight. Left by the steamer at ¼ past 2 in the afternoon of Tuesday – sky bright and clear, wind very fresh, sea rough, and got to Folkestone in 1 hour 45 minutes – A very rapid train took us to London before 7 oclock – I stay in Town all today.
George Hallam knows of no servants. We must enquire elsewhere. Caroline is gone to Tunbridge Wells since last Saturday.
I saw Charles yesterday evening He is not well and has come up to Town to see the doctor. I told him you advised sea air and he thinks he should like it. You will find the streets near the hotel d’Orient in an uncomfortable condition so many of them are dépavé and barré, that walking is particularly unpleasant but you can have a good little carriage by the hour.
Yours affly Henry
The weather cleared in the afternoon, but it still very chilly –