Do you know, I almost advise you (though it is like speaking against my heart) to go from Marseilles to Rome straight, and to give us the spring.

The spring is beautiful in Florence; and then I should be free to go and see the pictures with you, and enjoy you in the in-door and out-of-door way, both....
You will have heard (we heard it only three days ago) how our kindest friend, who never forgot us, remembered us in his will.

The legacy is eleven thousand pounds; six thousand five hundred of which are left to Robert, marking delicately a sense of trust for which I am especially grateful Of course, this addition to our income will free us from the pressure which has been upon us hitherto.

But oh, how much sadness goes to making every gain in this world! It has been a sad, sad Christmas to me.

A great gap is left among friends, and the void catches the eyes of the soul, whichever way it turns.