The lady in the balcony spoken of in the above letter was Signora Mignaty, the niece of Sir Frederick Adam, whom I had known long years previously in Rome, and who had married Signor Mignaty, a Greek artist, and was (and is) living in Florence.  She was, in fact, the niece of the Greek lady Sir Frederick married.  I remember her aunt, a very beautiful woman.  The niece, Signorina Margherita Albani as she was when I first knew her at eighteen years old in Rome, inherited so much of the beauty of her race that the Roman artists were constantly imploring her to sit for them.  She has made herself known in the literary world by several works, especially by a recent book on Correggio, his life and works, published in French.

The next letter from Lewes, written from Blandford Square on the 2nd June, without date of year, but probably 1863, is of more interest to myself than to the public.  But I may perhaps be permitted to indulge my vanity by publishing it as a testimony that his previous praise of what I had written was genuine, and not merely the laudatory compliments of a correspondent.

* * * * *

“MY DEAR TROLLOPE,—­Enclosed is the proof you were good enough to say you would correct.  When am I to return the compliment?

“I have finished Marietta.  Its picture of Italian life is extremely vivid and interesting, but it is a long way behind La Beata in interest of story.  I have just finished one volume of Anthony’s America, and am immensely pleased with it—­so much so that I hope to do something towards counteracting the nasty notice in the Saturday.

“Ever yours faithfully,

“G.H.  LEWES.”

* * * * *

The next letter is from Lewes, dated “The Priory, North Bank, Regent’s
Park, 20th March, 1864.”—­

* * * * *

“MY DEAR TROLLOPE,—­My eldest boy, who spends his honeymoon in Florence (is not that sugaring jam tart?), brings you this greeting from your silent but affectionate friends.  Tell him all particulars about yourselves, and he will transmit them in his letters to us.  First and foremost about the health of your wife, and how this bitter winter has treated her.  Next about Bice, and then about yourself.

“We rejoice in the prospect of your History of Florence, and I am casting about, hoping to find somebody to review it worthily for the Fortnightly Review.  By the way, would not you or your wife help me there also!  Propose your subjects!

“I hope you will like our daughter.  She is a noble creature; and Charles is a lucky dog (his father’s luck) to get such a wife.

“We have been and are in a poor state of health, but manage to scramble on.  Charles will tell you all there is to tell.  With our love to your dear wife and Bice,

“Believe me, ever faithfully yours,

“G.H.  LEWES.”