
Dr Johnston sent me a postal he had received from you dated Nov 22nd from which I am sorry to learn that you were "in depressed condition." But I trust that you are now better.
I have not much to write about at present as I have been at home 10 days—confined
to the house 7 or 8 days—with
a cold. It has not been serious at all, or very severe, but it has been persistent
& bad to shake off.—I got cold on my voyage home, & in the outdoor work I took
up soon after my return I got additional cold. However, it is passing away
One result is that I have not been to Bolton lately & have not seen the friends.—But I expect to do so before long.
Despite my cold, I am confident that my trip has done me good, &
that when I get clear of it, & fairly acclimatised & settled down again I shall feel
marked benefit.
The weather has been better than when I last wrote, though dark & dull as befits the season here—But yesterday afternoon was extremely beautiful—clear & fine, with loveliest clouds & atmospheric effects. I took a short walk in the country here & enjoyed it very much. I had partly expected Dr. Johnston over, & was only sorry that he could not enjoy it with me.
He seems to be very busy now-a-days, & finds it
almost impossible to get out here. However I hope to see him soon.
I have had quite an idle time, while unwell at home, I have been reading Shakespeare a good deal, with renewed pleasure & delight. He has been my main company.
I think of you continually. None of your photos seem to me quite satisfactory, but each recalls you in some degree to memory, & there are times when I seem to see your face & hear your voice.
Will you give my love to Warry & to Mrs Davis? With dearest love & best wishes to yourself always
Yours affectionately J.W. WallacePS Curious to me, now, how I cannot read your prose writings without seeming to hear your voice & see your face—so identical are they with your actual speech—

