I do not like to leave home, I can do no good here, but I think it right to stay. You will not like to be away, I know, and I cannot reconcile it to myself to keep you away. Forster, with his usual affection for us, comes down to bring you this letter and to bring you home, but I cannot close it without putting the strongest entreaty and injunction upon you to come with perfect composure -- to remember what I have often told you, that we never can expect to be exempt, as to our many children, from the afflictions of other parents, mad that if -- if when you come. I should even have to say to you, "Our little baby is dead," you are to do your duty to the rest, and to show yourself worthy of the great trust you hold in them.

Little Dora, without being in the least pain, is suddenly stricken ill. There is nothing in her appearance but perfect rest -- you would suppose her quietly asleep, but I am sure she is very ill, and I cannot encourage myself with much hope of her recovery. I do not (and why should I say I do to you, my dear?) I do not think her recovery at all likely.

Tuesday morning, 15th April, 1851

If you will only read this steadily I have a perfect confidence in your doing what is right.

My dearest Kate, -- Now observe, you must read this letter very slowly and carefully. If you have hurried on thus far without quite understanding (apprehending some bad news) I rely on your turning back and reading again.

Charles Dickens

Ever affectionately,