Dalmuir Hill September 21st 1850 My dear Mr McLean I am delighted to hear that you think you will soon be able to come to Wellington. I hope nothing will again occur to prevent you. I heard last Sunday from Mrs Kirton that you had returned to Rangitikei. She also told me that it was likely you would be here this week. As I heard this I have been expecting every day to see you. On Tuesday evening I heard the gate open. I went out and I was sure it was you I saw coming up. I ran half way down the hill before I found I was mistaken. It was only some person bringing to Mr Kirton, who was dining with us, the plan of his house. I am glad you stay with Mr Duncan when at Manawatu for I am sure you must be comfortable there from what I have heard of Mrs Duncan. I think she must be a very fine person. You say you heard that Miss Kelly was to have been married to Mr Robinson. I think that is nonsense. I was told so long ago but I never believed it was true. I never saw Mr Robinson, but from what I have heard of him I do not think he is a person I would have liked to have seen Miss Kelly marry. I am glad that you do not disapprove of knitting and crochet. I think a great many gentlemen dislike to see that kind of work. They say that it is waste of time. It is wrong to neglect work of more consequence for it but I think when everything else is done it is a nice amusement. I am doing just now an antimacassar for Mama. That is one of those things for the back of chairs. After that is done I am going to make a collar for Mrs Kirton but I think I must make your watch guard first, for if you come in and find it not done you will tease me dreadfully about it. Mrs Kirton and I have not gone to Evans Bay yet. We intend to wait till it is convenient for the minister to go with us. We are afraid to go without a gentleman as there are often wild cattle there and we are both great cowards. I am very fond of Mrs Kirton. She is such a warm hearted kind person. The longer I know her the more I like her. I am afraid I must now conclude which I am most unwilling to do as I should like to continue writing to you but I have stupidly allowed the fire to go out and is very cold. I am sure also it must be late. Everybody is in bed and asleep but myself. I hope you will forgive me for writing such a short letter. I shall write a longer one by the next mail. Good night dearest and believe me to remain ever your affectionate Susan Douglas Strang