1.

_My Darling Mary_:

Truly did you respond to my wishes. How can I ever repay so much
devotion? You have indeed granted my requests in mentioning all my
friends, and giving all the matter which interests Gerald so much.
He is indeed truly grateful and is going to write you by next mail.
His health has not been improving so rapidly of late, yet we have
every hope of his recovery. Will it not be a happy moment when we
meet again on the shores of dear old England? The very dust and fog
will have a charm hitherto unknown.

As we are in Rome you will expect something from Rome, therefore I
will tell you of what has recently been going on. Last week was the
Carnival. Gerald complained of weakness and fatigue, having exerted
himself too much during the previous week. He was much disappointed
in not being able to participate in the amusement, but had to be
satisfied by remaining on the balcony of our residence, overlooking
the Corso, which, as you know, is the principal street paraded on
those occasions. Gerald interrupts me by requesting a long letter
and full description, therefore on him alone rests the blame if I
exceed the length usually devoted to letter writing.

Now for the Carnival. At an early hour on Monday morning the usual
bustle and active preparations commenced. Carriages rolled along
laden with confectionaries and flowers. In fact the street, houses,
and passing vehicles of every description, appeared as though the
heavens had literally rained flowers--flowers showered in every
direction. Evidently we were certain that flowers were to be one of
the prominent features witnessed in the grand demonstration. Every
house opening on the Corso was covered with bright streamers,
pennons, and flags of every size, shape, color, and hue--red, blue,
white, green, gold, purple, yellow, and pink. Every window was
festooned with flowers, banners, and like array. Every shop was
converted into gorgeous saloons, decorated with trees, garlands,
evergreens, resplendent in silver, crimson, and gold, filled with
hundreds of anxious spectators. Every nook and corner was made
bright by the sparkle of beautiful eyes, merry smiles and happy
faces. Thousands jostled on every side in representation of
monkeys, lions, tigers, soldiers, clowns, maniacs. Satan