My Dear Harriet:—
I have been watching the weather since you departed, and it has been as favorable as I could have desired. If the winds and the waves have been as propitious as my wishes and my hopes induce me to believe, you will have had a delightful voyage. Good luck to you on your native soil! I miss you greatly; but know it was for your good that you should go home in this delightful weather, instead of encountering a winter passage.
Every person I meet has something kind to say of you. You have left a good name behind, and that is something, but not more than you deserve.
Poor Lady Ouseley has lost her son. I have not seen her since this sad event, but of course have called.
I have met Lady Chantrey, Mrs. Shapter, the D’Oxholmes, etc., etc., but need not repeat what they said.
Sir Henry Holland called on Wednesday immediately after his return, and expressed both sorrow and disappointment that he had not seen you before your departure. He desired me to present you his kindest regards, and says, God willing, he will call upon you next summer in the United States.
Take good care not to display any foreign airs and graces in society at home, nor descant upon your intercourse with titled people:—but your own good sense will teach you this lesson. I shall be happy on my return to learn that it has been truly said of you, “she has not been a bit spoiled by her visit to England.”
I forgot to tell you I had seen the good duchess, who said many extravagant things about you.
I received a letter from Mrs. Plitt by the last steamer, directed to you, with instructions that if you had left I might open and read and then burn it, all which I have done.
I wrote to Miss Hetty by the Southampton steamer on Wednesday last, and sent two of the Posts.