Letters from Egypt — 078 -April, 1866: Mrs. Ross

DEAREST JANET,

I had not heard a word of Henry's illness till Mr. Palgrave arrived and told me, and also that he was better.

Alhamdulillah!

I only hope that you are not knocked up, my darling.

I am not ill, but still feel unaccountably weak and listless.

I don't cough much, and have got fatter on my _regime_ of camel's milk,--so I hope I may get over the languor.

The box has not made its appearance.

What a clever fellow Mr. Palgrave is!

I never knew such a hand at languages.

The folks here are in admiration at his Arabic.

I hope you will see M. Brune.

I am sure you would like him.

He is a very accomplished and gentlemanly man.

You have never told me your plans for this year or whether I shall find you when I go down.

The last three days the great heat has begun and I am accordingly feeling better.

I have just come home from the Bairam early prayer out in the burial-place, at which Palgrave also assisted.

He is unwell, and tells me he leaves Luxor to-morrow morning.

I shall stay on till I am too hot here, as evidently the summer suits me.

Many thanks for Miss Berry and for the wine, which makes a very pleasant change from the rather bad claret I have got.

Palgrave's book I have read through hard, as he wished to take it back for you.

It is very amusing.

If you come here next winter Mustapha hopes you will bring a saddle, and ride 'all his horses.'

I think I could get you a very good horse from a certain Sheykh Abdallah here.

Well, I must say good-bye.

_Kulloo sana intee tayib_, love to Henry.

April, 1866: Mrs. Austin _To Mrs. Austin_.

BAIRAM,

_April_, 1866.