April 13 /[18]94.
THE CAMP, Sunningdale.
Dearest Grace*1 I am indeed glad that you are so far "all right" and enjoying your journey and Florence. The travelling with Madame Pertz has been an immemse[sic] advantage in many ways, and I am glad to know from her that you were so useful and considerate in the anxiety she was under, during Miss Pertz's illness. And now for the important part of your letter, the extension of your tour to Venice, and with the "Pumpellys". It looks very well at first sight, but the prospect is rather a vague one when considerable expense has to be considered. You speak of their going "in a month or so" to Venice and "for a few weeks". Now to persons travelling as Americans do "expense" is no object, and, what is worse, much is involved -- for you Venice life would be a Hotel one, and your travelling would no doubt be first class, no less than the Hotels? I do not see how your Mother's money gift could be sufficient to meet all this. The long and short of it is, that I should like to know more definitely what it would all mean in time and money. I suppose that you have told Mrs Pumpelly that your visit to Florence was not a mere tour of pleasure and sight-seeing, but that the perfecting of your Italian was one of the principal objects you had in view, for which purpose you must have a teacher, whose services would be lost during your Venetian trip. Then again, what are the Pumpenellys' plans after leaving Venice?

Would they bring you back to Florence? Now, dear Grace, do not suppose I want to throw cold water on your plans, but I should like to know more about them. We are all well. Joey*2 took Mina (or she him!) to Constantinople yesterday and they were highly delighted. The Bay window drags along. There is delay not for want of masons! I think it will look well on the whole, though rather ponderous for the position. The burst of spring has been marvellous, but we are in sore need of rain. This is the first cloudy day we have had, but no rain yet (noon). The weather has been lovely and the blossom of fruit trees quite a sight for this country. We have had our first asparagus and seakale. I hope that you keep up your journals. I am sure you will miss it in after life if you do not. The having to keep a journal is the greatest possible incitement to look carefully and intelligently at what you see, and in the case of pictures and works of art, it is doubly useful. Have you a copy of Murray's Guide? Of course you have mastered Miss Horner.? Ever with love from us all, your affectionate Father, | Jos.D.Hooker.