London
Dec. 13
My Dear Constance
I am so glad that Mrs Traherne’s <1> letters have arrived safely but it was foolish of her to send them in such a way and without any previous enquiry.
Dr Colenso <2> is a member of this Club during his stay in England, by invitation of the Committee.
A member of the club whose name I dont know was saying just now that as he was talking to Colenso, the Archbishop of Canterbury <3> entered the room and came straight up to Colenso and shook hands with him.
Dr Tait is much more liberal and enlightened than some of his episcopal brethren.
The rooms of the Athm <4> are well lighted of an evening with “sun lights” so that one can read comfortably in all parts of the rooms.
Weather today wet and dreary. The hotel and Club are both kept sufficiently warm
Your affte
Henry
Notes:
1. Charlotte Louisa 'Charry' Traherne, née Talbot (1800–1880), WHFT’s cousin.
2. John William Colenso (1814–1883), Bishop of Natal.
3. Archibald Campbell Tait (1811–1882), Archbishop of Canterbury.
4. Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall, London: WHFT’s club; a gentleman’s club composed primarily of artists and scientists.