Autograph letter signed : Venice, to Dr. Baldwin, [1894 Apr. 17].

Expressing his gratitude their "ever-kind attitude. It finds me, I grieve to say, considerably distracted with this terrible people-question which ravages one's existence, when one comes abroad - to these lovely centres of gravitation - flying, in desperation, from other forms of the same scourge in London...My present situation is, at any rate, that I can't leave Venice while the poor clinging helpless Benedicts are here. I find myself of great use & comfort to them - They arrived here utterly prostrate & seemed to have been fearfully knocked up by their interview with you in Florence. They are taking their duties here (to all Miss Woolson's accumulated and complicated effects) in a very serious manner, which will carry them on 2 or 3 weeks longer. Then they will go: about, I think, the 5th May. They have no one here to look to but me - & to remain near them is an act of common humanity - though not of exhilarating enjoyment. Next month, my dear Baldwin, I will come with great pleasure & spend a few days with you. Meanwhile I shall also try to get on with some pressing work. Venice is full, the hotels overflow, & I meet every hour (that I am out) somebody I know or who knows me. Today at last, the long-delayed rain has come. Your account - your good & bright account - of your own actual relative peace and plenty delights me. I rejoice in every word of it - & am impatient to come and behold it. Yes, indeed, I will go to the Seaside with you for a Sunday & grub & wade with Mrs. Baldwin & the bambini if they are still there. That you are personally better makes me feel so. Keep at it."