Lately I ventured to ask not to be left quite alone in the house on certain occasions; and though I spoke quite kindly, there was Peni in tears, assuring me that we ought to have another servant to open the door, for that 'poor Ferdinando had a great deal too much work'! When I ventured to demur to that, the next charge was, 'plainly I did not love Ferdinando as much as I loved Penini,' which I could not deny; and then with passionate sobs Peni said that 'I was very unjust indeed.' 'Indeed, indeed, dear mama, you _are_ unjust! Ferdinando does everything for you, and I do nothing, except tease you, and even' (sobbing) 'I am sometimes a very naughty boy.' I had to mop up his tears with my pocket-handkerchief, and excuse myself as well as I could from the moral imputation of loving Peni better than Ferdinando.
We have been very glad in a visit from Frederick Tennyson....

God bless you! Robert won't wait.
Your ever attached BA.
* * * * * _To Mrs.Jameson_ Florence: February 2, 1857 [postmark].
My dearest Mona Nina,--To begin (lest I forget before the ending), don't mind the sugar-tongs, if you have not actually bought them, inasmuch as, to my astonishment, Wilson has found a pair in Florence, marking the progress of civilisation in this South.

In Paris last winter we sought in vain.

There was nothing between one's fingers and real silver--too expensive for poets.

But now we are supplied splendidly--and at the cost of five pauls, let me tell you.
Always delighted I am to have your letters, even when you don't tell me as touchingly as in this that mine are something to you.