He boasts, with considerable complacency, that 'a table in Pallis says I am four years,' though the fact doesn't strike him as extraordinary.
Do you ever see Mr.Kenyon?
I congratulate you on your friend's 'Coeur de Lion.' _That_ has given you pleasure.
* * * * * The summer 'retreat' from Florence this year was not to the Casentino after all, but to the Baths of Lucca, which they had already visited in 1849.

During their stay there, which lasted from July to October, Mr.
Browning is said to have composed 'In a Balcony.' * * * * * _To Miss Mitford_ Florence: July 15, 1853.
...

We have taken a villa at the Baths of Lucca, after a little holy fear of the company there; but the scenery, the coolness, and the convenience altogether prevail, and we have taken our villa for three months or rather more, and go to it next week with a stiff resolve of not calling nor being called upon.

You remember perhaps that we were there four years ago, just after the birth of our child.

The mountains are wonderful in beauty, and we mean to buy our holiday by doing some work.
Yesterday evening we had the American Minister at the Court of Turin here, and it was delightful to hear him talk about Piedmont, its progress in civilisation and the comprehension of liberty, and the honesty and resolution of the King.