188 Boulevard Haussmann
Paris
12th August 1877
My dearest Julius,
“Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but where the desire cometh it is a tree of life”. You did not finish the proverb, & I do so for you, after all we are going over on the 18th. Polly’s indisposition was, I am thankful to say only temporary, she is better again & Fred writes that they will be glad to see Papa & me on Saturday, where they intend putting us I don’t quite know as they always have Miss Lyndon, they will have a houseful. So, my darling, we shall go over by the tidal train, arriving at Charing Cross at about half-past eight; Charing Cross where we said goodbye last year! I suppose you will manage to come to town on Sunday, fancy on one little week we shall be together again, I can scarcely believe it, it seems too good to be true. You dear spooney boy, you must have been very bad when you wrote but never fear darling, every loving word of yours finds a response in my heart!
Fanny left yesterday morning, I expect she is very happy today with the children, for I know she was longing to see them again. We had of course lots of shopping to do, & several friends to see while she was here & the week past very quickly; our dinner party went off very well, & I was particularly pleased to feel that it was over.
I had a kind letter from Essie Irvine the other day, they like Spa very much & seem to be enjoying themselves very much there; Tom is still away. I hear he is going to Scotland for a fortnight.
Poor darling, fancy you having to get up at four o’clock, how dreadful. I hope you won’t expect me to do such “tours de force” as I fear I shall be rebellious. You are late with your harvest, I think here it is about finished.
We had a good sermon from my friend Mr Speight this evening; the church is almost empty of its usual congregation, almost all who are there are strangers; I hear they talk of pulling down the old church in three months, preparatory to building it up again on the same spot; I shall be very glad to see a more respectable church, still I have some regrets for the old place, it has so many reminiscences for me.
I shall be anxious to get your next letter & hear when you think you may be able to come & see me; I have plenty to do before Saturday, & shall find the five days none too long.
Goodbye, my own darling, I hope you will find as much pleasure in reading this letter as I did receiving yours this morning.
God bless you, my own Julius, receive the best affection of
Your loving
Eugénie Narcisse Mourilyan
