I just write you a line to tell you that I am tolerably well, as I hope you are. Everything is in confusion abroad. The French King has disappeared and will probably never be heard of, though they are expecting him in England. Funds are down nearly to 80. The Government have given up the income tax, and people are very glad of it. I am not. With respect to the funds, if I were to sell out I should not know what to do with the money. J. says they will rise. I do not think they will; they may, however, fluctuate a little. Keep up your spirits, my heart’s dearest, and kiss old Hen for me. G. B. LETTER VII. _To_ MARY BORROW. 53A PALL MALL. [1848] DEAR CARRETA, I hope you received my last letter written on Tuesday. I am glad that I came to London. I find myself much the better for having done so, I was going on in a very spiritless manner. Everybody I have met seems very kind and glad to see me. Murray seems to be thoroughly staunch. Cooke, to whom I mentioned the F. T. says that Murray was delighted with the idea, and will be very glad of the 4th of _Lavengro_. I am going to dine with Murray today, Thursday. W. called upon me today. I wish you would send me a blank cheque in a letter so that if I want money I may be able to draw for a little. I shall not be long from home, but now I am here I wish to do all that’s necessary. If you send me a blank cheque I suppose W. or M. would give me the money. I hope you got my last letter. I received yours, and C. has just sent the two copies of L. you wrote for, and I believe some engravings of the picture. I shall wish to return it by the packet if possible, and will let you know when I am coming. I hope to write again shortly to tell you some more news. How is mother and Hen and how are the creatures? I hope all well. I trust you like all I propose; now I am here I want to get two or three things, to go to the Museum, and to arrange matters. God bless you. [GEORGE BORROW.] Love to Mother and Hen. LETTER VIII. _To_ MARY BORROW. 58 JERMYN ST, ST. JAMES’, [1848] DEAR CARRETA,