[Postmark: May 30, 1846]
Saturday.
You shall have a visit from me on the seventh day as
on the others, I think, because I remember you every day
equally, and because, without waiting for your Saturday’s
letter, I have always with me enough of you, to thank you.
This morning, Henrietta and I went as usual to Hodgson’s
and took possession of the chair in waiting, as Flush did of
the whole territory, setting himself, with all the airs of a
landed proprietor, to snap at the shop boy. Nota bene —
Flush is likely to injure my popularity if I take him about
with me much. He has been used, you see, to be ‘ CÊsar
in his own house,’ and the transition to being CÊsar everwhere
is the easiest thing in the world. Yet as to leaving
him at home, it is impossible, . . not to mention other
objections ! His delight in going out in the carriage is
scarcely a natural thing — but I have told you of it. Yesterday
I was in the back drawing-room waiting to go out, and
just said to him, ‘ Flush ! go and see if the carriage is come’
— instantly he ran to the front windows, standing on his
hind legs and looking up the street and down. Now Mr.
Kenyon would declare that was my invention. Yet it
is the literal truth of history.
Coming back from Hodgson’s, we passed our door and
walked to 57 and home, which is an improvement in the
distance. Then I walked up-stairs to the drawing-room,
and was carried the rest of the way. May I be tired a
little, after it all ? Just a little, perhaps.
Henrietta dined at Mr. Lough’s yesterday, and met Miss
Camilla Toulmin who was gracious . . and Professor
Forbes, who can do nothing without the polka, . . and
sundries. There was a splendid dinner, and wine of all
vintages — one is in a strait in such cases to know how to
praise at once the hospitable intentions and to blame the
bad taste — surely it is bad taste in a man like Mr. Lough
who lives by his genius, to give ambitious dinners like a man
who lives by his dinners. The true dignity of simplicity in
these things were worth such a man’s holding, one might
think. But he is kind and liberal, and a good artist, . .
and sent me a very gracious invitation to go and see his
works.
The Hedleys are likely to be in England this summer
again more’s the pity. I am fond of them, but would
rather, rather, not see them just now, and not be seen by
them — for eyes have they, and can see. My uncle Hedley
comes next week, . . comes to London for several weeks
. . that is certain — and my aunt after settling the younger
part of her family, at Bareges for the summer, ponders
coming, . . as I behold from afar off, . . with her daughter
Arabella, who is to be married immediately to the younger
brother of the great Brewery partner, Barclay and Bevan, a
Mr. Bevan. But they will not be in this house, and we
must manage as we can, dearest ! One leap over Sunday,
and Monday comes bringing you ! Then, I shall have you
near on Tuesday besides, and Wednesday, afterwards ! how
the cup overflows ! May God bless you my beloved ! It
is not exaggeration to say that I feel you in the air and the
sun.
Ever and ever your own I am !
Ba.