Mon chere frere We go on quietly here. I am pestered with applications for this bazaar. Mrs Godwin is staying with me for a few days. I think it is due to her I pay some little attention or account of her husband being so particularly attentive to Douglas. She is intelligent and pleasant. Col Moule and his wife called also Mrs Pearce and several others. Every one remarks how thoroughly well Mr Fox looks. They leave in a day or two. Heard from Jessie in answer to my letter. It oppressed me for days. It was so sad. There is a letter here for you from Kate. I think it best not to send it as it might get mixed with your other letters. The English telegrams are in this morning. The news good. Glad the Prince is likely to recover. Read part of your speech of the other evening. It was your own peculiar style and most cautious. Douglas was at a dance at the Hutt on Friday. Came in punctual next morning. Another holiday today. Shall be glad when they are over. The opossum rug is a thoroughly good one but hardly so large as I have seen some of them. Am making a leather cover for it to keep it clean. We have slight rain. I hope it will come down in Hawkes Bay. I hear the bush there has been on fire. When will you be here? Col Moule gives most encouraging account of how matters are going on in your hands. Mr Fox gives one the idea that he has got rid of a mountain of care by having you up there. It sweetens life to hear so much confidence placed in one. Douglas is well. Am yours in haste. Annabella McLean Monday morning.Wellington January 29th 72