1846 CHRISTMAS AT HOME 97 



Liverpool at seven at night. Therefore air the sheets 

 and clear out that chest of drawers for a fortnight, for 

 that's my allowance. What's the use of writing more 

 when we shall have a fortnight to haver ? With 

 hurrahs to all, yours affectionately, 



ANDW. C. RAMSAY. 



These pleasant glimpses of the old home had 

 always in prospect the inevitable pang of parting at 

 their close. He had to leave upon his return on the 

 2nd January. Under that date he records that his 

 mother and sister ' kept up well by dint of talking of 

 all sorts of things till starting time came, when all at 

 once they gave way. I did so also almost. I wish 

 their hearts were a trifle harder. It almost makes 

 going home painful, the dread of the leaving day.' 



H 



