or the Doctor seem to have the least hope of his recovery. I think it would really be a blessing if he were taken away. It must be so distressing to them to see him in [the state] he now is in. I think I told you the night before last that the minister is very ill. Papa called to see him today and he is a good deal better but there is to be no service in the church on Sunday. Mrs Hargreaves had a daughter yesterday. I went to see her this morning and sat a long time with her as she felt very dull having no one with her but the nurse. Her aunt is still very ill. I was told that she was in danger yesterday. I called to enquire on my way home and I was told she was a little better. There is a great deal of illness just now. It is a kind of influenza. Mrs Stephen has also been ill with the same complaint. Poor Mrs Stokes is much worse the last two days. I think she is fast going. I trust she may have as peaceful a death as dear Mama had. I often think of her last moments but