’I hope all has gone fairly well with you in my absence, and that Sophia is well again.  Could I have foreseen the condition of affairs here, I doubt whether I could have resolved on leaving you at home, though you may be spared much by not being with us.  I landed at noon to-day, and was met in the harbour by your cousin, who had come off in a boat in hopes of finding you on board.  He did his best to prepare me for Gilbert’s appearance, but I was more shocked than I can express.  There can no longer be any doubt that it is a case of rapid decline, brought on by exposure, and, aggravated by the injury at Balaklava.  Colonel Ferrars fancies that Gilbert’s exertions on his behalf in the early part of his illness may have done harm, by preventing the broken bone from uniting, and causing it to press on the lungs; but knowing the constitutional tendency, we need not dwell on secondary causes, and there is no one to whom we owe a deeper debt of gratitude than to your cousin, for his most assiduous and affectionate attendance at a time when he is very little equal to exertion.  They are like brothers together, and I am sure nothing has been wanting to Gilbert that he could devise for his comfort.  They are in a tolerably commodious airy lodging, where I found Gilbert propped up with cushions on a large chair by the window, flushed with eager watching.  Poor fellow, to see how his countenance fell when he found I was alone, was the most cutting reproach I ever received in my life.  He was so completely overcome, that he could not restrain his tears, though he strove hard to command himself in this fear of wounding my feelings; but there are moments when the truth will have its way, and you have been more to him than his father has ever been.  May it be granted that he may yet know how I feel towards him!  His first impression was that you had never forgiven him for his unfortunate adventure with Maurice, and could never feel towards him as before; and though I trust I have removed this idea, perhaps such a letter as you can write might set his heart at rest.  Ferrars says that hitherto his spirits have kept up wonderfully, though latterly he had been evidently aware of his condition, but he has been very much depressed this evening, probably from the reaction of excited expectation.  On learning the cause of Lucy’s desertion, he seemed to consider that his participation in the transactions of that night had recoiled upon himself, and deprived him of your presence.  It was very painful to see how he took it.  He was eager to be told of the children, and the only time I saw him brighten was when I gave him their messages.  I am writing while I hope he sleeps.  I am glad to be here to relieve the Colonel, who for several nights past has slept on the floor, in his room, not thinking the Maltese servant trustworthy.  He looks very ill and suffering, but seems to have no thought but for Gilbert, and will not hear of leaving him; and, in truth, they cling together so affectionately, that I could not bear to urge their parting, even were Fred more fit to travel home alone.  I will close my letter to-morrow after the doctor’s visit.’