and a sudden change to me to be without her. Were it not that I feel a protection under my Uncle's care I should be lonely indeed. Last week Uncle was at Taymouth Castle attending the mournful duty of Lady Breadalbane's funeral. The procession was an impressing sight, upwards of a thousand attended her remains to her last resting place her own carriage in which she used to drive followed in deep mourning and empty now, sad. Uncle is keeping strong & well. I do wish he would get a wife. He so much requires one but really he is so selfish every one refuses him. Aunt Helen is no better so I assure you between the two my position is not to be wasted and you cooly tell me it is my duty forsooth. U. did not at all relish your being displeased regarding the insert in the Herald. His great regard for you is extraordinary. How often he says if I could but see him once I would die a happy man worthy man. Donald is to him as the apple of his eye. May God grant that his wish may indeed be realised to the unspeakable joy and happiness of us all.