MS Mrs Caroline Fairclough/16
My dear Miss Butler
I cannot tell you much about poor Mr Parker.1 I fancy he has not been in good health for some time he went abroad for the winter about 4 years ago, and was abroad again all August & September this year, only coming home just at the beginning of October, when I had one or two notes from him, but when my book came out, 5 weeks ago, his man Mr Bourn wrote to me announcing it, and saying he had been 5 days in bed. I heard no more till on the 10th I got an official notification of his death. I was in London for a days shopping on Monday week, and left a card for old Mr Parker at the office, but I did not hear anything to signify, nor do I know how far the poor old man may be capable of carrying on the business. So sensible and pleasant a person to deal with is a great loss. I liked him the best of any publisher with whom I have corresponded. I only had one interview with him, so you knew him more personally than I did. I find the general habit is either to detest Lucilla or Phoebe2 but luckily for me, all do not detest both!
I have not seen Grace since she was quite a child, I should like to renew my acquaintance3
yours sincerely
C M Yonge