it may be as well to let him alone about his trusteeship, as he hinted that in that case he would behave properly. The trusteeship is an empty thing and brings no pay but I suspect brings business. The telegram boy has just brought me your message saying that the telegrams of August hadn't been received; and I have sent you a message saying that Mrs. Bell is still very ill. Indeed, though I do not like to encourage the feeling, I am beginning to be alarmed about her. Complete sleeplessness and a nervous state which/I had always believed to be affectation in women still I saw it in her, have prostrated her. If she can be moved we shall leave this on Friday by the Omeo and I should then have some days with you at Wellington before going on. I am very glad Featherston will be ready. This anxiety about my wife, is very hard just now when I want every moment of time and want my head to be quite clear -- but it cant be helped.