January 1878

Dear Mr and Mrs Hills,

It is a little more than three years since you tried to help us bid Father Good-Night, which was so impossible that it has never become less so -

Now we have given our Mr Bowles - to the deep Stranger -

To seek to be nobler for their sakes, is all that remains - and our only Plot for discovering them -

I want to thank you for the kindness, so very sweet and large - and ask if you are well - and hope you may remain. Heaven is so presuming that we must hide our Gems.

I am glad you care so much for Austin - He will need you more - and trust you may include us all in your fond number.

Nor do we forget the lovely assault between the two Years, and Trust each fair and noble thing may befall you both -

Emily.