May 18.—Began Part XIV.—the last! Yesterday George saw Count Arrivabene, who wishes to translate "Romola," and says the Italians are indebted to me.
Letter to Mrs. Bray, 1st June, 1863.
Health seems, to those who want it, enough to make daylight a gladness. But the explanation of evils is never consoling except to the explainer. We are just as we were, thinking about the questionable house (The Priory), and wondering what would be the right thing to do; hardly liking to lock up any money in land and bricks, and yet frightened lest we should not get a quiet place just when we want it. But I dare say we shall have it after all.
Journal, 1863.
June 6.—We had a little evening party with music, intended to celebrate the completion of "Romola," which, however, is not absolutely completed, for I have still to alter the epilogue.
June 9.—Put the last stroke to "Romola." Ebenezer! Went in the evening to hear La Gazza Ladra.
The manuscript of "Romola" bears the following inscription:
"To the Husband whose perfect love has been the best source of her insight and strength, this manuscript is given by his devoted wife, the writer."
Letter to Miss Sara Hennell, 10th June, 1863.
How impossible it is for strong, healthy people to understand the way in which bodily malaise and suffering eats at the root of one's life! The philosophy that is true—the religion that is strength to the healthy—is constantly emptiness to one when the head is distracted and every sensation is oppressive.
Journal, 1863.