1840-1842] Doddy at Shrewsbury 59 



and charmingly affectionate to me. Doddy's reception of 

 me was quite affecting. He sat on my knee for nearly a 

 quarter of an hour, gave me some sweet kisses and snig- 

 gered and looked at my face and pointing told everyone 

 I was pappa. Everybody seems to like him, they say he 

 is so meek and good. When I had had him for about five 

 minutes I asked him where was Mama, and he repeated 

 your name twice in so low and plaintive a tone, I declare 

 it almost made me burst out crying. He is full of admira- 

 tion at this new house and is friends with everyone and 

 sits on grandpapa's knees. He shows me the different 

 things in the house dear old Doddy, one could write for 

 ever about him. I am grieved to hear my father, who 

 is kindness itself to him, thinks he looks a very delicate 

 child, I felt quite ashamed at finding out, what I pre- 

 sume you did not know any more than I, that he has had 

 half a cup of cream every morning, which my father (who 

 seemed rather annoyed) says he believes is one of the most 

 injurious things we could have given him. When we are 

 at home we shall be able to look more after him. Only 

 conceive, Susan found him when he started in the carriage 

 with his stockings and shoes half wet through; my father 

 says getting his feet wet on the grass, when afterwards 

 changed, is rather a good than a bad thing, but to allow 

 him to start on a journey in that state was risking his 

 health. Last night Susan went into Doddy's room and 

 found no water by his bedside. I tell you all these dis- 

 agreeablenesses that you may feel the same necessity that 

 I do of our own selves looking and not trusting anything 

 about our children to others. 



I hope and suppose I shall hear to-morrow about your- 

 self and little Kitty Kumplings [Annie, 4 months old], who, 

 as I have several times remarked to myself, is not so bad 

 a girl as might be expected of Doddy's rival. Give my 

 kindest love to Elizabeth and to Uncle Jos and Aunt Bessy. 

 Good-bye, my dear. Right glad I shall be to see you on 

 Tuesday. 



Your affectionate, C. D. 



