Kinney_ Casa Guidi: Friday evening [December 1856].
Your generous sympathy, my dear Mrs.Kinney, would have made me glad yesterday, if I had not been so very, very sad with some news of the day before, telling me of the loss of the loved friend to whom that book is dedicated.

So sad I was that I could not lift up my head to write and express to you how gratefully I felt the recognition of your letter.

You are most generous--overflowingly generous.

If I said I wished to deserve it better, it would be like wishing you less generous; so I won't.

I will only thank you from my heart; _that_ shall be all I shall say.
Affectionately yours always, ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING.
* * * * * _To Mrs.Jameson_ Florence: December 26, 1856 [postmark].
My ever dear Friend,--To have three letters from you all unanswered seems really to discredit me to myself, while it gives such proof of your kindness and affection.