quence of her relapse, and that
_he_ (her father) would guarantee all this, and that there would be
no farther scenes in consequence between them, and that I should
not be compromised in any way. I set out soon after, and have been
here ever since. I found her a good deal altered, but getting
better:--_all_ this comes of reading Corinna.

"The Carnival is about to begin, and I saw about two or three
hundred people at the Marquis Cavalli's the other evening, with as
much youth, beauty, and diamonds among the women, as ever averaged
in the like number. My appearance in waiting on the Guiccioli was
considered as a thing of course. The Marquis is her uncle, and
naturally considered me as her relation.

"The paper is out, and so is the letter. Pray write. Address to
Venice, whence the letters will be forwarded. Yours, &c. B."

* * * * *

LETTER 353. TO MR. HOPPNER.

"Ravenna, January 20. 1820.

"I have not decided any thing about remaining at Ravenna. I may
stay a day, a week, a year, all my life; but all this depends upon
what I can neither see nor foresee. I came because I was called,
and will go the moment that I perceive what may render my departure
proper. My attachment has neither the blindness of the beginning,
nor the microscopic accuracy of the close to such liaisons; but
'time and the hour' must decide upon what I do. I can as yet say
nothing, because I hardly know any thing beyond what I have told
you.

"I wrote to you last post for my movables, as there is no getting a
lodging with a chair or table here ready; and as I have already
some things of the sort at Bologna which I had last summer there
for my daughter, I have directed them to be moved; and wish the
like to be done with those of Venice, that I may at least get out
of the 'Albergo Imperiale,' which _is imperial_ in all true sense
of the epithet. Buffini may be paid for his poison. I forgot to
thank you and Mrs. Hoppner for a whole treasure of toys for Allegra
before our departure; it was very kind, and we are very grateful.

"Your account of the weeding of the Governor's party is very
entertaining. If you do not understand the consular exceptions, I
do; and it is right that a man of honour, and a woman of probity,
should find it so, partic