Dear Emerson,—We shall be very glad to become acquainted with Mrs. Crowe, of whom already by report we know many favorable things. Brown (of Portobello, Edinburgh) had given us intimation of her kind purposes towards Chelsea; and now on Thursday you (please the Pigs) shall see the adventure achieved. Two o'clock, not one, is the hour when labor ceases here,—if, alas, there be any "labor" so much as got begun; which latter is often enough the sad case. But at either hour we shall be ready for you.
I hope you penetrated the Armida Palace, and did your devoir to the sublime Duchess and her Luncheon yesterday! I cannot without a certain internal amusement (foreign enough to my present humor) represent to myself such a conjunction of opposite stars! But you carry a new image off with you, and are a gainer, you. Allons.
My Papers here are in a state of distraction, state of despair!
I see not what is to become of them and me.
Yours ever truly,
T. Carlyle
My Wife arose without headache on Monday morning; but feels still a good deal beaten;—has not had "such a headache" for several years.
CXXXVII. Carlyle to Emerson
Chelsea, Friday [23 June, 1848]
Dear Emerson,—I forgot to say, last night, that you are to dine with us on Sunday; that after our call on the Lady Harriet* we will take a stroll through the Park, look at the Sunday population, and find ourselves here at five o'clock for the above important object. Pray remember, therefore, and no excuse! In haste.
Yours ever truly,
T. Carlyle
——————- * Lady Ashburton ——————-