[Postmark: May 21, 1846]
Thursday.
Just as I write, the weather is a little more proper for
this ‘ the blest ascension-day of the cheerful month of May ‘ :
may you not go out therefore, my Ba ? Or down-stairs, at
all events. We were sorry, Sarianna and I, to see the bright
afternoon yesterday . . we ought to have gone, perhaps —
but Mr. Kenyon is good and will understand ; spite of the
spectacles. But what sonnet is that, you perverse Ba, of
which you give me the two or three words, — in print,— how,
where ? And if I do not request and request I shall be sure
to hear nothing of that American review again, — so, I do
request, Ba !
Last night brought Dickens’ ‘ Pictures from Italy ‘ — which
I read this morning. He seems to have expended his power
on the least interesting places, —and then gone on hurriedly,
seeing or describing less and less, till at last the mere names
of places do duty for pictures of them, and at Naples he
fairly gives it up . . the Vesuvius’ journey excepted. But
the book is readable and clever – shall I bring it ? — (or next
week when everybody here has done with it).
I know, dearest, you did not promise me that beatific
vision by the gate — but was not enough said to justify me
in waiting for you there ? Indeed, yes — only the rain and
wind seemed to forbid you ; as they did. Were your sisters
pleased ? I am not sure I should have been glad to meet
them so — I could not have left my sister (whom nobody
would have known) — and then, with that, unspoken secret
between us. Also I please myself by hoping that Mr.
Kenyon was only relieved of a great trouble and annoyance
in the present state of his anxieties by our keeping away.
Poor Captain Jones — really a fine, manly, noble fellow — I
am heartily sorry. As for me, since Ba asks, I am pretty
well, — much better in some points, and no worse in the rest
— all is right but the little sound in the head which will be
intrusive — but I must walk it away presently, or think it away
at worst.
For, dearest, dearest Ba, I can cure all pains at once
with you to think of, and to love, and to bless. So, bless
you !
Your R.