TALBOT6002

Varenna
Oct^r 6^th

My dear Henry

I was so pleased on going to the Post at Zurich & looking over a heap of letters, to find one f^m Constance ¹ – it was the first line we have had from England, having been disappointed at Wiesbaden & Bâle & my letter to the P. Master at Manheim having failed of its effect. I am so sorry you troubled about me – really I do not feel any apprehensions about political disturbances – nor does L^d M^t E. ² but still he says he will make every enquiry before leaving Italy – & will not therefore hurry to catch the steamer that leaves Naples the 19^th but wait till the 29^th I am glad of this as it is always disagreeable to be hunted – & I have no particular wish to be at Palermo sooner than necessary. I fear however that even with this delay, Caroline ³ will not be able to catch us – particularly if she comes the same roundabout way we have done – but we know nothing of her intentions not having had one letter. If she could manage to meet us at Genoa how much nicer it w^d be for her than going alone across the sea<.> We have had a beautiful journey from Bâle here – I was delighted with the Lake of Zurich – you did not say half eno’ about it – & that of Wallenstadt. – We slept at Ragatz – I longed to go & see the Baths of Pfeffers f^m your description ⁴ but had not time – all the way to Tusis is beautiful & the Via Mala! – We had an unlucky day for crossing the Splugen just at the top came on a thick white fog which hid everything – & was most tantalizing it was a strange feel going quick down all those zigzags into an abîme sans fond ⁵ as it appeared. This morning however it cleared up & we felt really in Italy. We came along the road here close to the edge of the Lake which was made since my time – how beautiful it is. Tomorrow L^d M^t E. is going to stay here while we make an expedition in a boat – I mean to shew Annie ⁶ the dear Villa Serbelloni⁷ & one or 2 others – next day we shall go to Lecco & Saturday to Milan where we hope to find letters Please write to Leghorn – I am so glad C ⁸ is going to try Bath for Ela ⁹ give her my love & thanks for her letter.

Y^r aff sister
Horatia

We found a gentian on the Splugen that put me in mind of you.

It is so warm & pleasant here – the other side we were perfectly perished. I feel better already!