6–12 May 1833

To-day I heard, by Charles's letter, of the death of Ellen's mother. Fast, fast the bonds dissolve that I was so glad to wear. She has been a most kind and exemplary mother, and how painfully disappointed! Happy now. And oh, what events and thoughts in which I should have deepest sympathy does this thin partition of flesh entirely hide ! Does the heart in that world forget the heart that did beat with it in this ? Do jealousies, do fears, does the observation of faults, intervene ? Dearest friends, I would be loved by all of you : dearest friend ! we shall meet again.

I rode out this evening with Mr. Miles in the beautiful Cascina. Its walks and groves extend from the Prato Gate of the city out for miles along the right bank of the Arno. It is full of sweet singing birds, the robin and the nightin- gale, and of quails, partridges and rabbits kept for game by the Grand Duke.