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efforts of protection. Just had
the mail - a letter from Modeste
thanking us for the salt sellers
which arrived safely; and one
from [?} giving excellent accounts
of Jean, said he took to the water
like a duck and went way out
up to his neck without fear. Thy
letter seemed brief but doubt not
thee is tossed about getting thy
bearings. Did thee get a letter
from me enclosing one from Fred
-if not thee had better go ore Fred
as he spoke definitely of a portrait
to be painted, and asked thee down
to their place. [?] said the boat
was two hours late starting - what
a pity thee did not know thee
might have helped while away the
time for [?] - she said Joe was

2005.0028.0027a

Norwood
August 3rd, 1900.

My dearest,
It is hard to fall once
again into writing to say what
is in my soul for thee; but
after all there is always the bright
side to look on, and even the
written word is better than none.
If thee was here the quiet and
tranquil loneliness of these
perfect August days would leave
me little to desire - I am not
unsocial - I love to meet people
of parts but I do love solitude
and restful atmospheres better
every year I live. Even Clara
has gone for a day or two to
[Perry-bryn?] to look after the