they are gloomy—or might somehow pain me;—but they would not. I know him too well for that, and I should like to see them.
I have been reading Browning's "Rabbi Ben Ezra." I think it one of the truest things he, or anyone else, has ever written.
Miranda's letters are so delightful. Her fun always touches me somehow, and never too much.… So my pride is to be broken every way, and even those proudly triumphant P. P. accounts are to get into a mess.
I am much honoured by dear Mr. Maurice's interest about my return; I see S. Ursula[1] never got back; but I think I must give up all claim to the name, if it depended on the 11,000 virgins; tho' the number swells now even here.
Via de Serragli,
January 24th, 1868.
To Emily.
I seize the time when I am bright and hopeful to write to you dear ones at home; and for once will tell you facts not feelings. I have just returned from my visit to the S.'s. It has been very delightful.… M. is full of will and temper, and, not understanding any English, would be wholly unmanageable by me; and I keep a good deal away from her. But the others, strangely enough, have attached themselves warmly to me; and there seems no end to the amusements I can think of for them; and I have so enjoyed it. They are not the least tiring children, partly because they are quiet; partly, I fancy, because I have not to try to do other things too, but give my whole thought to them. It is so soothing to feel the dear little hands in mine,
- ↑ A name her sister Miranda gave her, because she attracted so many persons to join her in all she did.
