But it can't last--that's the comfort at Rome; and meantime we are housed exquisitely in our lion's mouth; the new _portiere_ and universal carpeting keeping it snugger than ever, and the sun over-streaming us through six windows.

I have just been saying that whenever I come to Rome I shall choose to come here.

The only fault is, the height and the smallness of the rooms; and, in spite of the last, we have managed to have and hold twenty people and upwards through a _serata_.

Peni has had a bad cold, from over-staying the time on the Pincio one afternoon, and I have kept him in the house these ten days.
Such things one may do by one's lion-cubs; but the lions are harder to deal with, and Robert caught cold two or three days ago; in spite of which he chose to get up at six every morning as usual and go out to walk with Mr.Eckley.Only by miracle and nux is he much better to-day.
I thought he was going to have a furious grippe, as last year and the year before.

I must admit, however, that he is extremely well just now, to speak generally, and that this habit of regular exercise (with occasional homoeopathy) has thrown him into a striking course of prosperity, as to looks, spirits and appetite.