[The following to his daughter, Mrs. Roller, describes the stay in Florence.]

Hotel de Milano, Florence, March 7, 1885.

We have been here more than a week and have discovered two things, first that the wonderful “art treasures,” of which all the world has heard, are a sore burden to the conscience if you don’t go to see them, and an awful trial to the back and legs if you do; and thirdly, that the climate is productive of a peculiar kind of relaxed throat.  M.’s throat discovered it, but on inquiry, it proved to be a law of nature, at least, so the oldest inhabitants say.  We called on them to-day.

But it is a lovely place for all that, far better than Rome as a place to live in, and full of interesting things.  We had a morning at the Uffizii the other day, and came back with minds enlarged and backs broken.  To-morrow we contemplate attacking the Pitti, and doubt not the result will be similar.  By the end of the week our minds will probably be so large, and the small of the back so small that we should probably break if we stayed any longer, so think it prudent to be off to Venice.  Which Friday is the day we go, reaching Venice Saturday or Sunday.  Pension Suisse, Canal Grande, as before.  And mind we have letters waiting for us there, or your affectionate Pater will emulate the historical “cocky.”

I got much better at Siena, probably the result of the medicinal nature of the city, the name of which, as a well-instructed girl like you knows, is derived from the senna, which grows wild there, and gives the soil its peculiar pigmentary character.

But unfortunately I forgot to bring any with me, and the effect went off during the first few days of our residence here, when I was, as the Italians say, “molto basso nel bocca.”  However I am picking up again now, and if people wouldn’t call upon us, I feel there might be a chance for me.

I except from that remark altogether the dear Walpoles who are here and as nice as ever.  Mrs. Walpole’s mother and sister live here, and the W’s are on a visit to them but leave on Wednesday.  They go to Venice, but only for two or three days.

We shall probably stay about a fortnight in Venice, and then make our way back by easy stages to London.  We are wae to see you all again.

Doctor M—­ [Mrs. Huxley] has just been called in to a case of sore throat in the person of a young lady here, and is quite happy.  The young lady probably will not be, when she finds herself converted into a sort of inverted mustard-pot, with the mustard outside!  She is one of a very nice family of girls, who (by contrast) remind us of own.

Ever your loving (to all) father,

Pater.

Mrs. M.—­ has just insisted on seeing this letter.

[To his youngest daughter.]

Hotel Beau Sejour, San Remo, March 30, 1885.

Dearest Babs,