[monogram:] MCG

Dabton
Thornhill
April 14^th 1869

My dear Papa,

I am afraid you will have thought me long in writing this time also, I got both the paquets of seeds quite safely – one has been sown – the little pink I hope will prosper for it is such a nice bright little thing, & never fails – We have been, and are still very much annoyed with having Mumps in the house – Jack began, three weeks ago – at which time we were expecting a visit from M^rs Kennedy & her three little girls – She naturally put off her visit, but after a clear fortnight had passed & no other Case showing itself we all thought the danger over – & as Jack had not been the least ill, I even thought it was a false alarm! – However after M^rs Kennedy and the children had been here a day and a half, Connie showed symptoms of Mumps – so M^rs Kennedy went off with her children next day, & we only hope they will not be laid up some where else with it – The evening after she was gone, I began to feel my face swell – & Connie & I are still on the sick list having both had it more severely than Jack. Then Miss M^cEwen, who had gone home to Dumfries to be at church last Sunday, was taken with a very bad attack of Mumps & has been unable to return yet. I do not think I shall make any enquiry for a regular governess just yet. she gets on very nicely with the children, & can stay till the summer – when perhaps I shall be leaving home myself, & be able to look for somebody It is very sultry today, & there is a little thunder about

With love, I am y^r most affec^te daughter
Tilly

[envelope, monogrammed 'MCG':]
H. F. Talbot Esq^r.
Athenæum Club
Pall Mall
London S. W.