itzhugh's
sisters, were my neighbors] to be with some friendly human beings; but I
reflected that this would never do--those who are alone must learn to be
lonely.... This was the only _black_ hour I have had since my return to
London....

I have finished the first volume of Grote's "History of Greece." O ye
gods, ye beautiful gods of Greece, that ever ye should have lived to
become such immortal bores through the meritorious labors of an eminent
English historian! Thank Heaven, I have done with what has hitherto been
always the most attractive part of history to me--its legendary and
poetical prologue (I hate the history of my dear native land the moment
the Commons begin to vote subsidies), and I do not think I ever before
rejoiced in passing from tradition to matter-of-fact in an historical
work. I have no doubt, now we have come down from Olympus, I shall enjoy
Mr. Grote's great work much more.

I have read through Morier's "Hadji Baba in England," while eating my
dinner, in order not to eat too fast, a precaution I learned years ago
while eating my lonely dinners at Butler Place day after day. (Of course
Grote was too heavy as sauce for eating.) At other seasons I have read
through another number of the _Dublin Magazine_, and during my
hair-combings continue to enchant myself with "Wilhelm Meister." I am
reading the "Wanderjahr," having finished the "Lehrjahr." I never read
the former in German before; it is altogether a wonderful book. I
practise before breakfast, and I have drawn for two hours every day
lately. I have received and returned visits, and when my daily exercise
takes its place again among my occupations, my time will be full, and I
hope to bless God for my days, even now.... This answers you as to my
spirits....

I had a letter from E---- yesterday, desiring me to forward my book to
them, and talking of still remaining where they are, as long as the heat
is endurable and the children continue well.

I had a note from Lady Duff Gordon yesterday, who is just returned from
Rome, where she saw my sister frequently and intimately; and she seems
to think Adelaide very tolerably resigned to remain where she is,
especially as she has found a cupboard in her palazzo, which has so
delighted her that she is content to abide where such things are rare
and she has one, rather than return home where they are common and she
might have many. In the mean time, seats in the next Parliament are, it
seems, to go be