My dear Miss Faithfull, It was such a great, great, pleasure to hear something of you. I only wish, too, that the service you asked had been a greater one - I often long to do something for all the kindness I have received from you - I do not know either of the Mr Walkers myself, and am so sorry that I cannot therefore tell which of the two it probably was that you met in Scotland - But as they both live together a note sent to one, would at once be given to the other if it turned out to be intended for him. The one who has the greatest reputation is Mr William Walker. He teaches at the farn near School and at Owens College, I believe his address in Manchester is: 57, King Street - His home address is: Farlands, Bayfield, Stockport - The other Mr. Walker is Mr William Eyre Walker - I do not know the age of the latter - Mr William Walker I imagine to be Over fifty. All that you told me about Lady Blanche's children interested me most deeply - The vision of her never fades for me. I am thankful to say - One can't afford (now especially in these days!) to lose in any way the remembrance of those who have so passed the Realities of the Other Life. I always think - don't you? - that some rare people stand as C[name] may have done, when first the vision, [^actual sight, rather] of the New World gladdened his
straining eyes - and that we see the light of glorious certainty reflected from their faces. I always upkeep this feeling about Lady Blanche. I am so glad that all the news you tell me of her children is so good and especially that Miss Balfour is stronger; and I only grieve that in your Chronicle you have to speak of such great and grave anxiety as your Brother's illness must have caused you. I have been very little in London since I saw you - Last Feb I was there for some time, but not sufficiently recovered from a bad illness I had last winter to make it possible to see half the people I wished.
Thank you so heartily for remembering about my dear little nephew and niece. They both go now to Mr van Praugh's School in Fitzroy Square, and are making rapid progress with him - My poor sister can hardly believe it yet. I have written in great haste, as I did not get the address till later, so pray forgive me if my note seems very brusque. Thanking you again and [written vertically on top left corner of first page of letter] again for the kindness of yours. I am yours very sincerely. ME Gaskell.
Paper has, '84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester' embossed in the top centre of the page.