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22 Jul 63 Eliza London Frances ______________________________________________________________________________________________

10, Hyde Park Terrace

July 22^nd

My dear Frances

The long looked for basket arrived at last, but not till the end of last week, after writing to Lionpore [?]. It is very pretty indeed & I shall value it much as your gift notwithstanding all your care, the flowers are much damaged but I shall try if I cannot have it repaired here.

Mr Laurie sends his love to you & desires me to thank you for your note. You do not know how very anxious we all are to become really acquainted with each other. Letter writing is all very well, but we feel we want something more than that.

We never can wait to next Feby. Do persuade John to come over for Xmas. It will be such a delightful commencement to the New Year. How very busy you must be making all your preparations. I wish I could help, but I can only do as I am told. I feel I should like to be at John’s elbow, to hear & see all he is doing & I cannot think of half I would say when writing.

It was very unkind of you not to let him give me a hint of some little thing he knew.

You would like what I bought John & you. I have been obliged to decide for myself & have ordered a white suite for your writing table which is being made & I hope will be pretty.

I hope to be able to send one little package by next mail.

Will you remember me very kindly to Mr & Mrs Hills & with love to yourself in which my little Helen joins,

believe me ever, my dear Frances, your very affect.

Eliza Helen Laurie