I have not yet done my house: and, when I write of Furniture, it is because I want to get so much ready as will suffice for an Invalid Niece who wishes to come with her Maid by the End of June, or the Beginning of July. Your old opposite Neighbour
Mason is my Apollo in these matters: I find him a very clever Fellow, and so well inclined to me that every one else says he can scarce make money of what he sells me. He has humour too.
I think you and Elizabeth should one day come and stay in this new House, which will be really very pleasant. As far as I am concerned, I sha’n’t have much to do with it, I believe; but some one will inherit, and—sell it!
I want you to choose a Lot of my Things to be bequeathed you: Books, Pictures, Furniture. You mustn’t think I prematurely deck myself in Sables for my own Funeral; but it happens that I sent the rough Draft of a Will to my Lawyer only three days ago.
My Brother John so much wants a Copy of Elizabeth’s Verses to my Sister Isabella in other Days.
This time twenty years you were going to me at Boulge Cottage: this time ten years you were preparing for India.
Adieu, Love to the Lady.
Ever yours, E. F. G.
To W. H. Thompson.
Lowestoft: July 27 [1866].