We have had some very nice drives; our house is very good in the daytime, but alive at night; it is the general complaint of Cape Town, and very unpleasant. However, they have sent us two brass bedsteads from the ‘Jupiter,’ so that I am much better off now. We drive to-day with the Bells. She has been very civil and is very pleasant, I think, with great remains of beauty. They sent for Ann Wauchope from Simon’s Town, and she was with us all yesterday. It is pleasant to meet a friend at this distance. She has such a funny little boy—six years old. My heart warmed to this boy, because he is like all Robert’s boys mixed up together; in looks, a mixture of Willy and Ashley. To—morrow we are going to dine in the country at Protea, with a Sir J. and Lady Bryant—pleasant people, who have passed their lives in India, and are now going home.
George is buying several horses here, as the Cape horses are much better, particularly for ladies’ riding, than the Arab horses; and Captain Grey has been persuaded into finding room for four in the ‘Jupiter.’ We sail Monday morning, and look with some dread to this long stage of the voyage, and it will be a dreadfully long time before you can hear of us again; but you must go on writing all the more, as it is not our fault. Our letters are to go this afternoon by the ‘Liverpool.’ I have so many to finish, I cannot write any more. George is sending you some bulbs. The flowers here are perfectly beautiful. Love to all.