Ferdinand von Mueller

8/7/1880.

Just, dear niece, a few lines at once in answer to your letter, for if it is deferred, it may be long before I could respond, as really the correspondence is apt to heap up from day to day & be left at last unnoticed. My eyesight is not so good as it was formerly & the endless writing tries me much.

Regarding a Governess, I do not think that any educated person with any fitness for teaching would go to your place for £25, even if you could afford her all the comfort, which she would expect. Only yesterday I tried to help a young Lady to a place, as Governess, whose parents I have known since 20 years, but the Salary is £80. If however a really good person can be found for £25, and it will not tell on your mother's resources to have an additional member in the household to support, you can let me know.

I feel sorry, that you did not commence your correspondence in the native language of your parents. Accept my best thanks for your felicitation to my birth-day; perhaps it is the last for me to celebrate, as my health is sadly impaired Pray, thank Marie for her pretty painting

1

Louise Wehl's sister Marie was a talented flower painter; see May, Maroske & Sinkora (1996).

Sir Thom. Elder named the Racehorse after me;

2

Dwyer (1996).

so I may go this time to the Races, where I never was before all my life.

With my best wishes for you,

Miss Louise Wehl