I had not heard a word of Henry's illness till Mr. Palgrave arrived and
told me, and also that he was better. Alhamdulillah! I only hope that
you are not knocked up, my darling. I am not ill, but still feel
unaccountably weak and listless. I don't cough much, and have got fatter
on my _regime_ of camel's milk,--so I hope I may get over the languor.
The box has not made its appearance. What a clever fellow Mr. Palgrave
is! I never knew such a hand at languages. The folks here are in
admiration at his Arabic. I hope you will see M. Brune. I am sure you
would like him. He is a very accomplished and gentlemanly man.
You have never told me your plans for this year or whether I shall find
you when I go down. The last three days the great heat has begun and I
am accordingly feeling better. I have just come home from the Bairam
early prayer out in the burial-place, at which Palgrave also assisted.
He is unwell, and tells me he leaves Luxor to-morrow morning. I shall
stay on till I am too hot here, as evidently the summer suits me.
Many thanks for Miss Berry and for the wine, which makes a very pleasant
change from the rather bad claret I have got. Palgrave's book I have
read through hard, as he wished to take it back for you. It is very
amusing.
If you come here next winter Mustapha hopes you will bring a saddle, and
ride 'all his horses.' I think I could get you a very good horse from a
certain Sheykh Abdallah here.
Well, I must say good-bye. _Kulloo sana intee tayib_, love to Henry.