| Description | Dear Signor
It was very pleasant to receive the other day in Paris a kind note from you and another from Mary. I should have answered at once but that I was just leaving. I am very much concerned & grieved, my dear Signor, to hear of your having been so long not ailing only but (hateful thing!) a prisoner in bed, and at this season, too, when the trials of the Winter are over. I do trust you will before long resume your strength & the more cheerful frame of mind which accompanies recovery, & once again grapple in the old Kensington corner with the work you love so devotedly. For myself I am prepared for fluctuations and a long (& weary) wait before I am, apparently, all right again; I say 'apparently' because, a warning is a warning, and I shall never be quite the old self again; how should I? I have had ups and downs - much better for three or four weeks - then a capricious relapse of two or three - now a distinct pick up again. I shall stay in this very quiet place, where I am extremely comfortably lodged - for another full week. It will I am sure do me good - tho' I have not, unfortunately, what I had in Africa, a little quiet, unemotional, but most enjoyable sketching (landscape bits) from nature. It is the most irresponsible, restful thing I can do & fills time delightfully - (I have made a few very tidy little sketches, I think).
Meanwhile dear Signor it is worthwhile to have been ill for the experience it has brought. I shall never, the longest day I live, forget the manna of kindness than has rained on me from more friendly, and, I may even say, loving hearts than I would have hoped. It is very nice! Give my best love to Mary, who is I trust well in health - as far as she can be when you are not - devoted soul!
Always yours affec'ly
Fred Leighton |