I got on your recommendation, and have lent him. I have myself read
Thiers; the _Idylls_ over again; some other poems of Tennyson's, &c.
&c. The first of these is very interesting. The passion of the French
nation for the name of Napoleon seems more and more wonderful when one
peruses the record of the frightful sufferings which he brought upon
them; and yet, at the time when his reign was drawing to its close,
the disgust occasioned by his tyranny seemed to be the ruling
sentiment with all classes. As to the _Idylls,_ on a second perusal I
like 'Enid' better than on the first; 'Vivien' better; 'Elaine' less;
and 'Guinevere' still best of all. Nothing in the volume can approach
the last interview between Arthur and the Queen.

_May_ 19_th._--We are to reach Galle to-morrow or next day.... I think
of you and the dear small ones, to whom I feel myself drawn more
closely than ever; for, in spite of my preoccupations, I became better
acquainted with them during my last eleven months at home, than ever
before-dear B.'s full and thoughtful eye; L.'s engaging and loving
ways. Oh that I could be at home and at peace to enjoy all this!

[Sidenote: Ceylon.]

_Ceylon, May_ 21_st._--Last night was black and stormy, and when I came
on deck this morning, I was told that we did not know exactly where we
were; that we had turned our ship's head homewards, and were searching
for Ceylon. We found it after a while, and landed in a pelt of rain at
about noon.... On landing, I asked eagerly for China news. Hardly any
to be obtained; little more than vague surmises. Nothing to justify
an arrest of our movements, so we must go on. I do not know how it is,
but I feel sadder and more depressed than I have felt before. I cannot
but contrast my position when in this house a year ago with my present
position. Then I was returning to you, looking forward to your dear
welcome, complete success having crowned my mission to China, I am now
going from you on this difficult and unwelcome errand.... I feel as if
I knew every stone of the place where I passed so many weary hours,
waiting for Frederick, with a fever on me, or coming on. Gros is in
the next room bargaining for rubies and sapphires; but I do not feel
disposed to indulge in such extravagances.... The steamer in which we
are to proceed to-morrow looks very s