It is good for soul and body, and on the Continent it is easy to get a handful of society without paying too dear for it.

That, I think, is an advantage of Continental life.
* * * * * _To Miss Mitford_ 43 Via Bocca di Leone, Rome: March 19, 1854.
My dearest Miss Mitford,--Your letter made my heart ache.

It is sad, sad indeed, that you should have had this renewed cold just as you appeared to be rallying a little from previous shocks, and I know how depressing and enfeebling a malady the influenza is.

It's the vulture finishing the work of the wolf.

I pray God that, having battled through this last attack, you may be gradually strengthened and relieved by the incoming of the spring (though an English spring makes one shiver to think of generally), and with the summer come out into the garden, to sit in a chair and be shone upon, dear, dear friend.