Thank you again and again for your praise of the ballad, which both delighted and surprised me ... as I had scarcely hoped that you might like it at all.  Think of Mr. Tilt’s never sending me a proof sheet.  The consequences are rather deplorable, and, if they had occurred to you, might have suggested a deep melancholy for life.  In my case, I, who am, you know, hardened to sins of carelessness, simply look aghast at the misprints and mispunctuations coming in as a flood, and sweeping away meanings and melodies together.  The annual itself is more splendid than usual, and its vignettes have illustrated my story—­angels, devils and all—­most beautifully.  Miss Mitford’s tales (in prose) have suffered besides by reason of Mr. Tilt—­but are attractive and graphic notwithstanding—­and Mr. Horne has supplied a dramatic poem of great power and beauty.

How I rejoice with you in the glorious revelation (about to be) of Gregory’s second volume!  The ‘De Virginitate’ poem will, in its new purple and fine linen, be more dazzling than ever.

Do you know that George is barrister-at-law of the Inner Temple—­is?  I have seen him gazetted.

My dearest papa is with me now, making me very happy of course.  I have much reason to be happy—­more to be grateful—­yet am more obedient to the former than to the latter impulse.  May the Giver of good give gratitude with as full a hand!  May He bless you—­and bring us together again, if no more in the flesh, yet in the spirit!

Your ever affectionate friend,
E.B.  BARRETT.

Do write—­when you are able and least disinclined.  Do you approve of
Prince Albert or not?[53]

[Footnote 53:  The engagement of Prince Albert to Queen Victoria took place in October 1839.]

To H.S.  Boyd Torquay:  May 29, 1840.

My ever dear Friend,—­It was very pleasant to me to see your seal upon a letter once more; and although the letter itself left me with a mournful impression of your having passed some time so much less happily than I would wish and pray for you, yet there remains the pleasant thought to me still that you have not altogether forgotten me.  Do receive the expression of my most affectionate sympathy under this and every circumstance—­and I fear that the shock to your nerves and spirits could not be a light one, however impressed you might be and must be with the surety and verity of God’s love working in all His will.  Poor poor Patience!  Coming to be so happy with you, with that joyous smile I thought so pretty!  Do you not remember my telling you so?  Well—­it is well and better for her; happier for her, if God in Christ Jesus have received her, than her hopes were of the holiday time with you.  The holiday is for ever now....