lately at the risk of encouraging a good deal of insubordination instead of exacting implicit obedience. But never mind I will get pussy in better training in due time - stop till I get her to the bush then I am certain she will be quite a model wife for affection and obedience. I only trust that a kind Providence will not punish me before these hopes are realized for over-estimating my only earthly idol. It has just occurred to me that it would be a good plan for you to take Jessie with you to the bathing as I do not wish her to be separated from you for any time during my absence, that is she should always go with you wherever you go. No one can be more kind and affectionate to you than she is, therefore let her be always with you. You must also pussy endeavour to overcome melancholy thoughts as much as you can or if overcome by them do like a pet conceal your feelings from poor Papa and on his account, even if you never cared for your wandering Highlander, you should try to keep up your spirits and make him cheerful by avoiding as much as you can any recurrence to the cause of our present grief and affliction. I am very sorry I have no crape on my cap but I do not appreciate external show so much as I do the inward meditations of the heart. This morning I thought of the Dalhousie March and of poor Mama whose memory is always associated in my mind with that beautiful air which she played so admirably