My dear Henry

I shall be charmed to receive you tomorrow if so be that you really mean to come. – It is well that you gave me notice however, for the surprise might have been too great. –

If the servant whom you have seen appears to be really the kind of person we want, would it not be best to make the necessary enquiries respecting him & then keep him waiting for your answer until you have consulted with Nichole? ^<1> – Though I should be sorry to lose a desirable servant through any delay, still I think you will see with me the necessity of making Nichole responsible for getting a good one & thereby prevent future disappointments. –

M^r John Paley has announced a subscription for the inhabitants of Salisbury plain who were sufferers by the late floods – & exhorted us in his Sermon today, to contribute liberally when the Churchwardens call at our houses early in the ensuing week – What must I do in case you are not returned?

What dark foggy days these are! I don’t suppose you can see to do anything in London.

Your aff^te

Constance.

Sunday Jan 31. –

I wish you would remark whether the other letter forwarded today, is re-charged. –

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Notes:

1. Nicolaas Henneman (1813–1898), Dutch, active in England; WHFT’s valet, then assistant; photographer.