March 29th My dear Donald I went to Napier on purpose to bring Annabella down with me but she would not come. I think it so good of her to be so kind to Alec. She tells me that he has been keeping doing [crossed out] remarkably well ever since she went up, and as long as he did so that she would not leave him, but if he broak out again she would come down. I was hurried home by a telegram from Robert that he was laid up but upon my arrival I found him going about. The truth is that he feels Mr Park's death and from what I hear the burden of the widow and family will, to a large extent, fall upon him. Mr Park having died in debt and Mrs Park having parted with some of her income Mrs Park is coming to reside in Wellington and will be with us for a time. I do so long for you. I have no one to speak to, & Robert is too much taken up with his own family. I am so glad to hear that Douglas is enjoying himself & Mrs Marley good to him. They were so disapointed he did not go up with me and Annabella says that he would have enjoyed it much. Alex is breaking in one of his ponys. I have heard something about one Miss Russell Halen. Do you know anything of her. I believe she is no chicken. I have seen Mrs Fox. She is looking well and she tells me you are looking well. I saw some of the Napier people. You are missed there. Ormond not much liked. I think he has got your house a great deal too chep. My trip has afforded me great pleasure. They were so delighted to see me at the station. Annabella is looking remarkably well and so pretty. With my love to Douglas. I am your aff. sister Catherine Hart P.S. Be sure to burn my letter and tell Duggie to write to me. Mr Strang is well.