Dalmuir Hill October 18th 1851 My dearest husband The minister came up late last night to tell me that the Dane had come in with letters from you and that he was going out Sunday morning. I was sorry to hear that you had not got on far on your journey when the Dane left you. This bad weather is most annoying for I am afraid it will keep you away much longer than you expected. You have been gone now nearly three weeks and I suppose you are still a long way from Ahuriri. How much I wish darling that you were back. I would not fret about you being away if poor Mama was well but I am sorry to say that I fear she is no better. It distresses me