March 16, 1846.
Indeed I would, dearest Ba, go with entire gladness and pride to see a light that came from your room – – why should that surprise you? Well, you will know one day.
We understand each other too about the sofas and gilding – – oh, I know you, my own sweetest! For me, if I had set those matters to heart, I should have turned into the obvious way of getting them – – not out of it, as I did resolutely from the beginning. All I meant was, to express a very natural feeling – – if one could give you diamonds for flowers, and if you liked diamonds, – – then, indeed! As it is, wherever we are found shall be, if you please, ‘For the love’s sake found therein – – sweetest house was ever seen!’
Mr. Kenyon must be merciful. Lilies are of all colours in Palestine – – one sort is particularized as white with a dark blue spot and streak – – the water lily, lotos, which I think I meant, is blue altogether.
I have walked this morning to town and back – – I feel much better, ‘honestly’! The head better – – the spirits rising – – as how should they not, when you think all will go well in the end, when you write to me that you go down-stairs and are stronger – – and when the rest is written?
Not more now, dearest, for time is pressing, but you will answer this, – – the love that is not here, – – not the idle words, and I will reply to-morrow. Thursday is so far away yet!
Bless you, my very own, only dearest!