afflictions to make it for me. Monday morning My dearest Donald I got up at 6 this morning that I might be able to write a little more to you before Papa call for the letter so you see love that I am not very lazy. I thought as I got up that you might be then starting on your journey. If poor Mama were well how much I should like to be with you. I trust however that I shall be able to go with you to Taranaki if she is better. Perhaps after all I shall be obliged to give up all thoughts of going there except by sea as I may not be able. It is really very annoying. I shall be very much disappointed if I cannot go. I am happy to tell you that I found Mama much better yesterday then she was on Saturday. She really looked very ill then and I came home in exceedingly low spirits. As the day was so fine yesterday she sat outside for