13 Howe Street Edinburgh February 11th 1858 My dear brother I wrote I think in April last and I am now anxiously looking forward to the pleasure of receiving an answer. I always feel so timid at writing to you as I fear you will find out so many mistakes. But I shall now have more time to devote in studying as I have left my situation for the purpose of improving previous to my going out to Australia. Catherine had a letter from John in December saying that he was to send or come home and take me out with him and that by the following mail we might expect a remittance, but we begin to fear he has changed his mind as several mails have been but no letter from him. I feel very unhappy about it as it will put a complete stop to the prosecution of my education. I advanced the first quarter myself from the little I had saved which came to £80 including books and a number of little extras. It is but a week since I commenced so that I cannot as yet give an idea of the progress I have made. My principal studies are French, music and drawing. I shall now make a point of writing you by almost every mail and let you know particularly how I succeed. I hope you will excuse my not giving any home information as the mail leaves here to day and I fear losing it. I hope your little darling boy is well. Flora is now the mother of such a pretty sweet little daughter. She is named Annabella Catherine. Our friends are not pleased at it as they thought it should have been our mother's name but Mr Conway wishes it so as he thought it such a romantic name. Catherine is well and joins me in kindest love. I remain my dear brother Your aff. sister Annabella McLean