I say 'us' when I ought to have said 'me,' for you have known Robert, and you have not known _me_, and I am naturally less safe with you than he is--less safe in your esteem.

We should both have gone to inquire after your health if he had not been attacked with influenza, and unfit for anything until the days you mentioned as the probable term of your remaining in town had passed.

I waited till he should be better, and the malady lingered.
Now he is well, and I do hope you may be so too.

May it be! Bear us in mind and love, for we go away to-morrow to Paris--where, however, we shall _expect_ you before long.

Thank you, thank you, for the books.