Same to the Same.

Dear Bampton. We arrived here all right on Saturday. Frank was in good spirits on the journey but I could see his anxiety increased as we got nearer our destination. The housekeeper was most thoughtful and had everything ready for us, but she told me she thought it would be better to wait till the next day before Frank met his mother. She quite understands the situation.

"We met Mrs. Leward yesterday afternoon in her chair coming from the Hermitage. She turned away her head at first when she saw us, but made no objection to Frank walking by her chair and even taking her hand. He had nerved himself to this meeting but his hand shook painfully. It was a curious sight to see poor Frank walking with his stick by his mother's chair. It was the first time he had walked without assistance.

page 341

Since then he has been out with her every day. She doesn't say anything but the nurse thinks she is better in her mind. She never would allow anyone else to go out with her before. Frank is a good deal too in her room, she sits and looks at him and sometimes seems inclined to speak and then she gives up the effort as though there was something restraining her, and she shakes her head and sighs.

I am much better and enjoy my visit to this pleasant place. Frank is much more cheerful than might be expected and is getting stronger. I think he is not without hope.

When can you come I suppose before Christmas.—Yours very affectionately