came awakening life into the emaciated
frame of the invalid. Lady Rosamond devoted every waking moment to her
husband. In the charming eventide they sat upon the balcony of their
residence overlooking the Corso, catching a glimpse of the open country
beyond the surrounding mountains and the ever restless Tiber.
Frequently, they rode slowly along the Appian Way, now almost impassable
for heaps of rubbish, mounds, and broken fragments, temples, columns,
pillars, and successive piles of neglected relics. The Campagna, in its
dreary aspect, often tempted their stay. Sometimes her ladyship would
have a feeling of vexation, knowing that it was utterly impossible to
visit more of the sights of Rome. They might remain for years and leave
many scenes unexplored. The palace of the Vatican formed a life-long
study for Lady Rosamond. Only a few of its four thousand rooms could be
visited, yet these were bewildering in variety. Here they could view the
most wonderful collections of art and grandeur that the world affords.
Here were stored the endless piles of antique trophies of every
clime--rooms representing oriental scenes throughout, starlit skies, and
monsters of unknown existence meet one on every side and fill the mind
with awe.

For the benefit of the reader we will insert the letters written by Lady
Rosamond to her friend, Mary Douglas, containing a short description of
some important places, and showing the tender interest inciting the
writer when referring to the circumstance of her husband's ill
health--the hopeful vein which pervaded throughout, and the true spirit
of friendship extended to the absent one.

Rome, February 10th, 1831.

_My Dearest Mary_:

As many miles lie between us there is no alternative but the
hastily written and imperfect scribble which will shortly be
presented you, if the elements have not conspired against us.

In order to relieve your uneasiness I beg to state that Gerald's
health is daily improving. He has much faith in Rome. Scarcely a
day passes without his enjoying the benefit of the delightful
atmosphere and the lovely drives out into the open country, of
which I must tell you afterwards. The large number of acquaintances
formed since our arrival have contributed much to our enjoyment. We
frequently meet many of our old friends. Imagine our delightful
surprise on seeing Captain Crofton, his wife and daughter. Of
c