's name,
And joy shall exalt their pride to be
The same in birth if in soul the same." [640]

"Our affairs," Lady Burton tells Lady Stisted, in a heartrending letter,
[641] "are so numerous and we belonged to so many things that I have not
strength enough to get them carried out before eight weeks, and I could
not bear to arrive in Xmas holidays, but immediately after they are
over, early January, I shall arrive, if I live, and pass through
Folkestone on my way to Mortlake with the dear remains to make a tomb
there for us two; and you must let me know whether you wish to see me or
not.

"I wish to go into a convent for a spiritual retreat for fifteen days,
and after that I should like to live very quietly in a retired way in
London till God show me what I am to do or, as I hope, will take me
also; and this my belief that I shall go in a few months is my only
consolation. As to me, I do not know how anyone can suffer so much
and live. While all around me had to go to bed ill, I have had a
supernatural strength of soul and body, and have never lost my head for
one moment, but I cannot cry a tear. My throat is closed, and I sometime
cannot swallow. My heart swelled to bursting. It must go snap soon, I
think. I have not forgotten you, and what it means to you who loved each
other so much. I shall save many little treasures for you. His and your
father's watch, &c. There are hundreds of telegrams and letters and
cards by every post from all parts of the world, and the newspapers
are full. The whole civilized world ringing with his praise, and
appreciative of his merits--every one deeming it an honour to have known
him. Now it will be felt what we have lost. I shall pass the remainder
of my short time in writing his life and you must help me. Best love
to dearest Georgy. I will write to her. Your affectionate and desolate
Isabel."

To Mr. Arbuthnot, Lady Burton also wrote a very long and pitiful letter.
[642] As it records in other words much that has already been mentioned
we will quote only a few sentences.

"Dear Mr. Arbuthnot, "Your sympathy and that of Mrs. Arbuthnot is very
precious to me and I answer you both in one. I cannot answer general
letters, but you were his best friend. I should like to tell you all
if I saw you but I have no heart to write it.... I am arranging all his
affairs and when finished I bring him to England.... I shall be a little
slow coming because I have so much to do with his book