MY DEAR MRS. O'SHEA,--I seize a vacant moment to write you a few words, as it does not look as if Irish affairs would permit me to see you for some time longer. Perhaps even a week or ten days may pass by before I can see Eltham again. I also wish you to forward enclosed to Captain O'Shea, as I have not got his address. I have had several conversations with Fr. White, who is a very superior man, and has impressed me very much. I intend to make it my first business to look up West Clare, and trust that Captain O'Shea may be able to meet me there.--With best regards, yours always sincerely, C. S. PARNELL. MORRISON'S HOTEL, DUBLIN, _Tuesday._ MY DEAREST WIFIE,--Your letters received, and always give me the greatest happiness to read. Please continue writing. I will make arrangements to have them kept out of sight here. Shall see him[2] Wednesday evening or Thursday morning, and do what I can. I fear his position in Clare is irretrievable.--With best love, YOUR HUSBAND. {223} AVONDALE, _Sunday._ MY DEAR MRS. O'SHEA,--Will you kindly direct, enclose, and post enclosed. Many thanks for your letter, also for two from Captain O'Shea, which I will reply to shortly.--Believe me, in haste, yours very truly, CHAS. S. PARNELL. Just before Christmas in 1883 I took a furnished house in Brighton for three months for my children. I had arranged to go into a house in Second Avenue, which both Parnell and I liked, but Willie came down and insisted on my taking one facing the sea in Medina Terrace; so I (with difficulty) got out of my former agreement, and certainly the house Willie chose was very much pleasanter, owing to its close proximity to the sea. Willie undertook to stay here to be with the children while I went back to my aunt (coming myself to Brighton for one or two days in the week). Willie asked Parnell to come and stay. He did so, and Willie and he discussed the Local Government Bill at all hours, as Parnell wished to find out what the views of Mr. Chamberlain and the Tories were--better ascertainable by Willie than others. I went back to my aunt for Christmas Eve. It was bitterly cold, and as the old lady never cared for festivities, she was soon glad to shut herself up in her warm house and "forget in slumber the foolish junketings I permit in my domestics, my love."