Dalmuir Hill Monday night [ca 27 July-2 August 1852] My own dearest love I sent off two letters to you this morning and as it is now late and I have a delightful dose of castor oil to take my dear Donald must forgive a very few lines. I have not gone out today but have been working hard with my sewing as I am quite in a fidget lest I do not get it done in time. It is the most tiresome work I ever did in my life. What a little plague it is for giving me so much trouble. I should not be in the least surprised if you hear before you leave Taranaki that you have had a son as it was reported so here a few days ago. Mr St Hill called at the office to enquire how I was and whether it was a son or daughter. I cannot imagine how the report originated,