Dalmuir Hill May 24th 1851 My dear Mr McLean Miss Kelly who has been spending the evening with me has just gone and as it is late I have only time to write you a few lines. I wrote a short note to you on Thursday morning telling you that I was much better. I am now nearly quite well. I think I shall be able on Monday or Tuesday to go out and take a walk. What lovely weather it is for this season. It is very vexing Mama and I cannot go out while it is fine for I am afraid it will not continue long so. This being the 24th of May it is a year today since you return from Taranaki. Could you believe it is a year since then. It does not appear to me to be so long. It is really astonishing how quickly time passes. Of course I need not write to you again as I trust I shall have the pleasure of seeing you the week after next for you know you said you would only be away a fortnight or three weeks at the longest. As I have got no news to give and it is late. Will you dear forgive this short note. Mama sends her kindest regards And believe me Your very affectionate Susan D Strang