will write as soon as he has returned to
London, which, I think, must be about this very time.

I shall be sorry if you do not get your annual dose of Mountain Air; why
can you not? postponing your visit to Hampshire till Autumn--a season
when I think those who want company and comfort are most glad of it. But
you are determined, I think, to do as you are asked: yes, even the more
so if you do not wish it. And, moreover, you know much more of what is
fittest to do than I.

A list of Trench's works in the Academy made me think of sending him my
Crabbe; which I did: and had a very kind answer from him, together with a
Copy of a second Edition of his Calderon Essay and Translation. He had
not read any Crabbe since he was a Lad: what he may think of him now I
know not: for I bid him simply acknowledge the receipt of my Volume, as I
did of his. I think much the best way, unless advice is wanted on either
side before publication.

If you write--which you will, unless--nay, whether troubled or not, I
think--I should like to hear if you have heard anything of Mr. Lowell in
London. I do not write to him for fear of bothering him: but I wish to
know that his Wife is recovered. I have been thinking for some days of
writing a Note to Carlyle's Niece, enclosing her a Post Card to be
returned to me with just a word about him and herself. A Card only: for
I do not know how occupied she may be with her own family cares by this
time.

I have re-read your Records, in which I do not know that I find any too
much, as I had thought there was of some early Letters. Which I believe
I told you while the Book was in progress. {186} It is, I sincerely say,
a capital Book, and, as I have now read it twice over with pleasure, and
I will say, with Admiration--if but for its Sincerity (I think you will
not mind my saying that much)--I shall probably read it over again, if I
live two years more. I am now embarked on my blessed Sevigne, who, with
Crabbe, and John Wesley, seem to be my great hobbies; or such as I do not
tire of riding, though my friends may weary of hearing me talk about
them.

By the by, to-morrow is, I think, Derby Day; which I remember chiefly for
its marking the time when Hampton Court Chestnuts were usually in full
flower. You may guess that we in the Country here have been gaping for
rain to bring on our Crops, and Flowers; very tantalising have been many
promising Clouds, which just dropped a few drops by way of