Dearest Minnie, I do not believe you are as much disappointed as I at my having to give up going after all, because you have so many more pleasures than I that being deprived of one does not mean so much. I hoped until late in the morning that I could manage it and my trunk was all packed, (without the dress you viewed so disapprovingly) and it was only at 3 oGÇÖclock that I told Valborg she could take the things out again. So you will have to try to make up for it to some extent by letting me see as much as possible of you while you are at home for the holidays. I hope the reception will go off very nicely, and that you will enjoy having Miss Edwards. I am sorry to miss her too, although that is but a very small part of what I regret. Something that I have been really distressed about for the last few days will I hope help your brother a little in his investigations. Ascot, the beautiful gray horse, was suddenly attacked three days ago with what the horse people say was cerebro-spinal meningitis, and this afternoon as there seemed no hope I told Mackenzie to put him out of his misery and to ask your brother whether they would like to have the poor creatureGÇÖs hair, and I suppose they took it as Harry was here this evening while I was out, being harrowed by SalimiGÇÖs Gladiator. Bessie has of course kept you posted about Miss Locke. I do so hope you have been able to find someone. Of course unless Mamie brings the news you will telegraph us if anything develops. Will you be interested in hearing that Jennie Delano has another daughter, born yesterday? Dear me, how I do wish that I could be talking to you in your study instead of writing you here. Goodnight. I am sure I need not ask you to forgive me, because you know I would have come if I could have got off. Lovingly yours, Mary E.G.
