Volume II Part 19 (2/2)

_Liverpool_, July 26th, '54

_Dearest Wife_,

We had the pleasantest pa.s.sage, yesterday, that can be conceived of.

How strange, that the best weather I have ever known should have come to us on these English coasts!

I enclose some letters from the O'Sullivan's, whereby you will see that they have come to a true appreciation of Mr. Cecil's merits. They say nothing of his departure; but I shall live in daily terror of his arrival.

I hardly think it worth while for me to return to the island, this summer;--that is, unless you conclude to stay longer than a week from this time. Do so, by all means, if you think the residence will benefit either yourself or the children. Or it would be easy to return thither, should it seem desirable--or to go somewhere else. Tell me what day you fix upon for leaving; and I will either await you in person at the landing-place, or send Henry. Do not start, unless the weather promises to be favorable, even though you should be all ready to go on board.

I think you should give something to the servants--those of them, at least, who have taken any particular pains with you. Michael asked me for something, but I told him that I should probably be back again;--so you must pay him my debts and your own too.

It is very lonesome at Rock Ferry, and I long to have you all back again. Give my love to the children.

THINE OWNEST.

TO MRS. HAWTHORNE

_Liverpool_, Sept. 12th, 1854

_Dearest_,

We arrived safe at Rock Ferry at about ten. Emily had gone to bed, but came down in her night-clothes--the queerest figure I ever saw.

I enclose a letter from thy brother N. It contains one piece of intelligence very interesting to the parties concerned.

Mr. O'Sullivan is going to London, this afternoon. I wish thou wast at home, for the house is very cheerless in its solitude. But it will be only a few days before I see thee again; and in the meantime thou must go to all accessible places, and enjoy thyself for both of us. The barometer goes backward to-day, and indicates a proximate change of weather. What wilt thou do in a rain-storm?

I am weighed down and disheartened by the usual immense pile of American newspapers. What a miserable country!

Kiss all the old people for me--Julian, as well as the others.

Thine ownest,

N. H.

TO MRS. HAWTHORNE

_Liverpool_, July 30th, 1855

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