The Dell, Bonchurch
Friday March 11
My dear Henry
I cannot yet give you a new address for writing to Monie. Matilda had a letter from her on Tuesday – They were still at Pisa, Hotel della Vittoria, detained for the moment by the doctor’s advice and in consequence of the attack of swelled face, attended with general cold, from which the previous letters from Siena had told us Mamie was suffering – The doctor prescribed a linseed poultice to be kept over each ear, night & day, for a week. – and they could not fix their journey until the close of the treatment: followed by the desired result. It seemed already to be doing good: but it was unpleasant to be kept prisoner from such a cause, and the weather so fine that they longed to be living in the open air. As the nearest approach to this, they were sitting with open windows & without a fire – thermometer in their rooms at 67 Fahrenht. No better cure for a cold than such a temperature – within a given time for such cure – Dear Tilly’s deafness has left her since Sunday – and the children are all well: and enjoying this fine weather. – They (the children), & Miss Mohun are spending the day with us, to leave all quiet at the Under-rock, where poor Mackenzie the Nurse, is very seriously ill from congestion of the Liver. – She was attacked suddenly on Tuesday morning & alarmed them all very much – Henriette assisted in watching her last night – which was passed in the most distressing manner – so severe & frequent were the attacks of vomiting & faintings – They called up the doctor who tried one thing after another to check the sickness – and since the morning he appears to have succeeded in quieting her a little – He says that if she passes the next 12 hours in a state of quiescence, he may be able to give hopes of her recovery. Tilly is beautifully calm through it all – and John’s judicious counsels are a great comfort to her. The Housekeeper at Under-rock is very efficient as Sick nurse & very obliging – and they have also sent for their own housemaid (Jane) from Dabton. She arrived yesterday afternoon – just 22 24 hours after despatching the telegram – If I have anything decisive to report tomorrow, I will write, though you have no day post to take you my letter on Sunday – but at any rate you will get it on Monday morning before you start. Ela sends her love and thanks you for your letter received the day before yesterday.
Your affectionate
Constance
I am desired by John to tell you that a friend of his now at Ventnor has promised to shew him a copy of the deciphering of the Moabitish Stone: which he expects to receive shortly – so you must come quickly for the chance of seeing it also.