Dalmuir Hill September 28th 1850 My dear Mr McLean I was just going to sit down to write in answer to your letter by yesterday's mail when Mr Smith came in and as it was too cold to write in the parlour or my room I have been obliged to wait till he went away and I am afraid now I shall not have much time to write before Sunday morning. I am sorry I am not to see you so soon as I expected. Perhaps after all it is better you should finish your business before coming in as you may then be able to stay longer with me. Your absence does not make me impatient for I feel so