Mourilyan & Son, Solicitors, 370, Rue St Honoré, Paris
22nd, March 1878
My dear Daughter
I have at length made arrangements to leave for England tomorrow and if it suits you to have me for a few days at Chipping Norton, write me a line to Marshgate House and I will endeavor to come to you next week. Your letters of the 10th January and the 20th February reached me in due course and I was glad to receive them, but my time has been so occupied during Ned’s absence that you must excuse me for not replying at an earlier period. I have been very comfortable at the Hôtel du Palais & found a few pleasant people staying there. I am glad Fred Robinson has been down to stay with you. At present nothing is settled about Marboeuf as Mrs [Way?] is insane & incapable of presenting. I understand the matter is placed in the hands of the Bishop of Guilford and that Mr Spaight is to remain in charge for some time. I don’t think there is any chance of Ned’s having to go to America for Monsieur de Montauban. The Receiver in the case of De Montauban v. Butterfield wished to send his Solicitor to America but I opposed his summons thinking it to be a needless expense. Had the Receiver succeeded I should have applied for permission to send Ned to represent the children. Give my love to Julius & tell him I look forward with pleasure to pay you a visit & become acquainted with the walks in your neighbourhood.
I hope you like your new Servants & decidedly prefer Roman Catholics to dissentors [sic].
I had a letter from Polly on Wednesday. She tells me that Fanny is daily expecting her confinement.
Joe is rehearsing his part in the new Opera which is to be performed shortly.
On Wednesday I dined at Ned’s & today out to dine at the Irvine’s.
I was sorry to see the death of my old friend Mr. Oakley in the paper.
I have got a cold & am not feeling well. I hope Julius has recovered from his cold.
Joe & Mr. Hazelton seem to get on very well. The latter has recently lost his father.
Marie is living with the Herberts & I hope she will find it a good place.
Believe me, Dear Daughter
Your affectionate Father
John Mourilyan
