1858.
Mr. Albert Smith.
Tavistock House, Tavistock Square, London, W.C.,
Wednesday Night, 1st December, 1858.
My dear Albert,
I cannot tell you how grieved I am for poor dear Arthur (even you can hardly love him better than I do), or with what anxiety I shall wait for further news of him.
Pray let me know how he is to-morrow. Tell them at home that Olliffe is the kindest and gentlest of men—a man of rare experience and opportunity—perfect master of his profession, and to be confidently and implicitly relied upon. There is no man alive, in whose hands I would more thankfully trust myself.
I will write a cheery word to the dear fellow in the morning.
Ever faithfully.
Mr. Arthur Smith.
Tavistock House, Tavistock Square, London, W.C.,
Thursday, 2nd December, 1858.
My dear Arthur,
I cannot tell you how surprised and grieved I was last night to hear from Albert of your severe illness. It is not my present intention to give you the trouble of reading anything like a letter, but I must send you my loving word; and tell you how we all think of you.
And here am I going off to-morrow to that meeting at Manchester without you! the wildest and most impossible of moves as it seems to me. And to think of my coming back by Coventry, on Saturday, to receive the chronometer—also without you!
If you don’t get perfectly well soon, my dear old fellow, I shall come over to Paris to look after you, and to tell Olliffe (give him my love, and the same for Lady Olliffe) what a Blessing he is.
With kindest regards to Mrs. Arthur and her sister,
Ever heartily and affectionately yours.