S^t Andrews Villas

Bridport June 5^th

Dear M^r Douglass

We were delighted as I need not say to see your handwriting once more. I only wish it had been to announce your speedy arrival in England. You are too public spirited & we grieve that you s^hd have risked your property in this new Bank. I hope that your skill & wisdom will be all the benefit you desire to the concern, without involving loss to yourself. We should like of all things to have you

amongst us again,—& I dont give up the hope yet,—but is it to be always hope deferred?

I am leaving home tomorrow for a fortnight's visit to my sister Anne who lives at Hampstead, & as soon as I return I hope that my mother will venture to leave her pleasant country home, only 20 miles from here,—& stay a little with us.—I have not dared to propose it thinking the fatigue would be too much for her—but she herself has a strong wish to come & of course it will be a great pleasure me to have her here.—I hope her courage wont fail when the time comes for the move.

Miss Amé-Draz spent nearly three months in Bridport this spring—She came to work with some good friends of ours in French & Italian before their starting for a few Months' tour in Italy & Swizerland.—I caught the Italian fever, & joined my friends in their lessons. It is very pleasant to go to school

again in one's old age when one has the chance. Miss Amé Draz spent the last 3 weeks of her Bridport time with us—she fell desperately in love with Bridport, its neighbourhood & inhabitants, & I think it likely that she will come again & take Country lodgings and recruit for a time. I tell her that she wants a year's holiday from teaching,—her brain & nerves are overstrained, & a little wholesome dullness such as we can offer at Bridport w^ld be the best thing for her.

With Kindest remembrances I remain affectly and sincerely yours

Mary Carpenter