troops
and the passionate gratitude of the people. We have two great flags on
our terrace, the French flag and the Italian, and Peni keeps a moveable
little flag between them, which (as he says) 'he can take out in the
carriage sometimes.' Pen is enchanted with the state of things in
general, and the French camp in particular, which he came home from only
in the dusk last night, having 'enjoyed himself so very much in seeing
those dear French soldiers play at blindman's buff.' They won't,
however, remain long here, unless the Austrians threaten to come down on
us, which, I trust, they will be too much absorbed to do. The melancholy
point in all this is the dirt eaten and digested with a calm face by
England and the English. Now that I have exhausted myself with
indignation and protestation, Robert has taken up the same note, which
is a comfort. I would rather hear my own heart in his voice. Certainly
it must be still more bitter for him than for me, seeing that he has
more national predilections than I have, and has struggled longer to see
differently. Not only the prestige, but the very respectability of
England is utterly lost here--and nothing less is expected than her
ultimate and open siding with Austria in the war. If she does, we shall
wash our hands like so many Pilates, which will save us but not England.

We are intending to remain here as long as we can bear the heat, which
is not just now too oppressive, though it threatens to be so. We must be
somewhere near, to see after our property in the case of an Austrian
approach, which is too probable, we some of us think; and I just hear
that a body of the French will remain to meet the contingency. Our
Italians are fighting as well as soldiers can.

Tell M. Milsand, with my love, that if I belonged to his country, I
should feel very proud at this time. As to the Emperor, he is sublime.
He will appear so to all when he comes out of this war (as I believe)
with clean and empty hands....

Robert gives ten scudi a month (a little more than two guineas) to the
war as long as it lasts, and Peni is to receive half a paul every day he
is good at his lessons, that he also may give to the great cause. I must
write a word to the dear nonno. May God bless both of you, says your

Affectionate Sister,
BA.

* * * * *

_To Mr. Browning, Senior_

[Same date.]

Yes, indeed, I missed the revolution in Tuscany, dearest Nonno, which
was a l