[this is written on the same sheet as a note from Lady Elisabeth: Doc. No: 01223]
Paris
12th December
Mein liebster Bruder
J’esperè que tu es maintenant arrivé sain & sauf à Londres, sans avoir souffert de la longueur du voyage. Nous attendons impatiemment de tes nouvelles. Tes Orchis et Iris se portent bien. Faut-il arroser la salade qui est dans le plomb rouge, ou non? Nous avons été hier à l’Opéra Italien entendre Madame Pasta <1> dans Otello <2>, qui nous a fait infiniment du plaisir, comme tu peux te l’imaginer. Adieu, cher Henri: il faut, comme à l’ordinaire, que j’aille me coucher, ainsi, bon soir.
Horatia
W. H. Fox Talbot Esqre
31 Sackville Street
London
Translation:
Paris
12 December
My dearest brother
I hope that you have now arrived safe & sound in London, without having suffered from the length of the journey. We are waiting impatiently for your news. Your Wild Orchids and Iris are doing well. Must we water the lettuce which is in the red lead container, or not? We were yesterday at the Italian Opera to hear Madame Pasta in Otello, which greatly pleased us, as you can imagine yourself. Farewell, dear Henry: it is necessary, as it usually is, that I go to bed, so, good night.
Horatia
Notes:
1. Madame Giuditta Pasta (1797–1865), opera singer.
2. Opera by Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901).