Thursday [July 29th, 1847].
My dear Mr. Andersen,
Thanks for your kind letter. I found it last night on our return from seeing Rachel in Virginie. How beautiful she is! and such a true artist. Your letter, however, did me more good than even her glorious acting. Is not she the perfect representation of the Tragic Muse! We hope to see you here by 12 or 1 o'clock on Saturday. We shall be happy to offer you a bed for the night - and for the next night also, if you will stay with us so long.
I am glad that you are going to Scotland. It is my favourite country. I fancy a deal of the Highlands resemble your own Jutland. It is a land full of poetry - and the brown desolation of the Highlands with its solitary glens and lakes and scattered human dwellings affect me beyond any other scenery which I know. Then there are other parts, so lovely and romantic, and so full of the spirit of Arcadian life as to fill one's soul with quiet gladness. I am indeed glad that you are going to Scotland!
All here send their kind regards, And believe me, Yours sincerely,
Mary Howitt.
