Autograph letter signed : Florence, to "Mia amata Figlia" [Joan Severn], 1890 Jan. 27.

Discussing the mental health of Severn's "D.P.," John Ruskin, hoping for "complete recovery at no very distant day," noting that mental strength is gradually if not rapidly increasing." Discussing class distinctions, noting "there is nothing more unfortunate for either man or woman, than intimacy with a lower class than themselves." Discussing education, noting that "men had best interest themselves in the well living of boys, and women in that of girls." Agreeing that "the marriage of the Duke of Aosta was indeed most unfortunate," noting that "she was 22, her uncle 44 when she married him," and that "fortunately there is only one child, who even if it lives to grow up will probablybably be a victim to scrofula." Noting that Marina "would have been pleased that Silvia should have married her great Uncle, but Silvia said she should as soon have thought of marrying her grandfather." Describing Francesca's love of plants. With a postscript asking Severn to not let her "D.P. know what [she says] about those girls &c."