Dabton
Thornhill
Dec^r 22^d 1870

My dear Papa,

We have had the most splendid day for the eclipse, which was visible the whole time with perfect distinctness – there was only once a light filmy cloud over the sun which was easily seen through – and all the rest of the time it was perfectly clear. The children were all much interested – even little Mimay – who wishes me to tell you that she saw something very pretty, and that it was the moon – only a red moon (– because it was seen through the smoked glass). – The others understood it very well & really followed its progress with great interest. Willie says he wants me to ask you why the moon did not cover up the sun quite all over – as he was most anxious it should, & though I told him it would not do so, he had a lingering hope that it might – he was also much troubled that he could not see the moon – it only looked as if the sun was getting less & less – & the shape of the moon was not made out – but he understands it quite – Jacky was much excited & very eager about it – & wants me to tell you he saw the very last minute of it – he was also puzzled at first – about the different causes of the eclipses of the sun & moon – the sun can’t get between us & the moon, though the moon can get between us & the sun – so how can the moon ever be eclipsed! Connie had some trouble in being persuaded that the white circle was not the moon – altogether I have had a great many explanations to go through today – Willie is now busy eclipsing the candle with the round top of the inkstand for Mimay’s benefit!

I hope you have had an equally successful day – Will you agree to come here? – I hope so, & any day (the sooner the better) will do. I am not even going down to church on Christmas day – so will be at home – I never answered your questions about the Thornhill ball – It went off very well – but I did not see it as I was not well at the time & did not go – All the family at Drumlanrig left early this month, & went to Dalkeith – Miss Clark is staying here – & is very well – Mary Maxwell intends to come to us tomorrow, to stay over Christmas, the New Year. Where is Charles just now? if with you give him love from all here

Your most ffec^te daughter
Tilly