you did not receive it as you said in your letter by Mr Hickson that you were to start on Monday morning. I was not sure whether I should write in answer or not. I thought however that it would be better to do so as it was possible that something might detain you a few days longer. As you are to be three weeks on your way to Hawkes Bay I have given up all hope that you will spend New Year's Day with me. I am very sorry for it but it will do no good to fret so I must try to be contented. I am glad to hear that you are not quite so lazy in the mornings as you were when you were here. Do you remember how often I was in a fret with you because you would not get up after you had promised