another day I would most likely have heard from my darling husband. The 'Rose' is going to sail on Thursday but I hope that before it arrives at Ahuriri you will be on your way home. You have now been gone love more than six weeks and I trust it will not be long now till I see you again in case however you should be detained at Ahuriri I think it will be as well to write for I know you would be disappointed if you did not hear from me. Papa tells me that there are some despatches at his office which he must send to you and from what he told me I am afraid they may detain you longer. I trust you will have left before the vessel gets up for it will be really dreadful if you are kept away much longer from me. Do not darling, unless it is something very important, stay. I would not feel it so much if poor Mama was well but I feel now so much the need of comfort from my dear