TC TO JEAN CARLYLE AITKEN ; 22 August 1856; DOI: 10.1215/lt-18560822-TC-JCA-01; CL 31: 187-188
TC TO JEAN CARLYLE AITKEN
Gill, 22 Augt, 1856—
Dear Jean,—There is little doubt the Parcel has come to Cummertrees as announced in Jim's1 Letter; it will be sent for in the evening,—unless the Children perhaps bring it up of their own accord; warned by the Stationmaster in their school hours.
If you know precisely (as is likeliest) what the mountings buttons &c are,—better get them at once. The Tailor undertakes to have thumb in order, and be here on Monday morning. So that all will then go on, “like a house on fire” we may flatter ourselves.
The two Jamies of Scotsbrig are to be over here on Sunday; the alternative was my going thither, whh, or indeed going anywhither, I am glad to avoid,—being deep in my Papers these two days past.
Nevertheless I have some thoughts of riding over to Dumfries for tea again: but do not look for me at all! Only you need not send your mountings &c (but may have them ready) till you have seen.
The wretched Train kept you waiting half an hour that night: I was home, had smoked a pipe, and was at the Flosh Bar out on my walk of meditation, when you shot by, not guessing whose eye and thought were on you. I was very wae (as I often am) in the wild gusty twilight.—The N.E. tempest, really almost “grand” tho very troublesome, has now spent itself, and we shall do better.
Yours ever affectte /
T. Carlyle
Jane is still with her Aunts in Edinr; does not go till Monday,—“no getting away.”
