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 our letters went by her. I shall always say so. In fact, you would have been delighted with the very amusing narrative I sent you by the ‘Gregson.’ It finished off that immense packet I sent you by the ‘Victoria’ in October, which ill-fated ship, I am sorry to see, has also been burnt at the Mauritius; but, as I have written by other ships, only not so pleasantly and freely, of course I only allude to these missing letters just to show that I am always writing to you. It would be indelicate to make the slightest reference to the little offerings sent by the same opportunities. In fact, the little trifles sent per ‘Gregson’ were hardly worth your acceptance, and, as the better selection shipped per ‘Victoria’ now can never reach you, I will not tantalisc you by descriptions of the castern gew-gaws. You guess the style of thing—mother of pearl and silver filigree—and if I did not say anything about the shawl embroidered with seed pearls and emeralds, it must have been mere forgetfulness on my part, as I think you would have liked it to put over your gown when you were gardening.

I am so glad you continue to like Dandy. I am fonder of Chance in my own little way than