Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/195

 marriage with the Hon. Beatrice O'Brien, a daughter of Lord Inchiquin.

Your kind letter of congratulation has given me and my fiancée the very greatest pleasure.

To have true friends is one of the greatest joys of life, and it is now many years that you have been a true friend to me.

I am so glad you approve of my engagement and hope you will soon meet my future wile.

If I could write as well as you do I would find more and better words with which to express my thanks to you and to Mrs Henniker Heaton for your very kind letter and wishes.

I am so sorry I was away when you arrived from Australia and missed having the pleasure of sending you a wireless welcome. I followed the contest at Canterbury, and held my breath, so to speak, until the result was known. Now that you are in, and safe, I write you my sincere congratulations.

I do hope I shall have the pleasure of meeting you and yours soon again. My wife asks me to send you her love.

What an awful time the U's have had, especially the members of the late Government!