Hotel de l’Europe Venice

Saturday Aug 8^th

My dear Henry

Ela has just received your letter from Offenburg of the 5^th and all previous ones from Churwalden, Zurich &c came in due course – though I scarcely think all of them can have been acknowledged by us – R^d wrote to you last Tuesday & addressed to Lacock – which you will have found waiting your arrival – She told you that as we had not thought it desirable to move to any of those places within a short distance of Venice – and that we hesitated about taking a longer journey at present, because I feel still so unfit for the exertion of travelling. – I am quite unable to walk, beyond a few paces – without sitting down & I feel that perfect quiet is the only thing to restore my health & strength. Our good old Doctor called this week by my desire, to examine the state of the chest, as I wished to know how far it was strengthened – and to ask what further care he might deem necessary – I now give you his opinion. <ill. del.> The improvement is very satisfactory – but there is still sufficient weakness on the right side to make a continuance of the present treatment desirable (I mean of the Goats’ milk – and decoction) But the general consideration of my case led him to retract something of the liberty he gave before, about our movements – He says it is certain that I require much repose – and as little travelling as possible – at present. He fears that any degree of over exertion, besides the risk of going to some place where the air might agree less than that of Venice, would probably again give me a fit of illness – My own reason and my own feelings entirely confirm this opinion – and instead of a disappointment, it is a relief to me to prolong our stay here – where we have so many comforts and advantages. – The airing in a Gondola is the very quietest thing for me that can be. – far preferable to carriage exercise.

So we are decided to remain here for at least a month or 6 weeks longer. and then probably proceed at once by easy journies towards our winter quarters. – making short stoppings at any place we fancy on the road to Pisa – Where we are to settle some time in October –

So there you have our programme dear Henry, & I assure you we are all satisfied with it. – I have written rather lengthily – but felt I could not explain in fewer words –

Your very affectionate

Constance.