and it is very likely that I cannot get that air out of my mind until I get back again. I am angry with myself for having left her ring behind. It also recalls old associations that can never again be recalled leaving me to contemplate in gloomy solitude on the happy hours I have spent at Dalmuir from which place I fear all happiness for us has departed with her who so often and so cheerfully welcomed me there when pussy knew little and cared nothing about me. The bush affords ample scope for such reflections and you may feel assured that I am not going on with a very cheerful heart this very day. I must go now to borrow some crape from Mrs Robinson as if the heart is sad the emblems of it may as well be displayed as not even although I am averse to your excess of foolish formality in these matters. Goodbye again my own dearest pet. May the Almighty bless, keep and protect you from all danger and spare your own and your husband's life to help each other in our earthly career is the desire and wish of your own ever affectionate and truly devoted husband Donald McLean Porirua Barracks Monday noon Jany 14th 1852 Make one shirt for me pussy that I may judge of your needle qualifications instead of hearing so much about them. One will be enough. Finish the purse and do a little if you