To Marianne Caroline Patmore

Denmark Hill, 9th January, 1868.

Dear Mrs. Parmore,—I have been truly desirous of waiting upon you this week, to thank you for the happiness I had, and which 1 think you must have seen I had, in the hours of Friday evening. But the weather has at last beaten me down with an oppressive cold, and I cannot leave the house.

Pray, however little I may be able to avail myself of the great privilege which I feel it to be, to know your husband and you, do not—ever—doubt my respect and regard.

I cannot break through the too long fixed habits of my secluded life, and may perhaps only get glimpses of you and your children from time to time, but be assured always of my faithful rejoicing in your happiness.

I send a little book of Richter's, a favourite of mine—if my little Godson has it not, I should like him to have it from me (nor will you be without pleasure in it). But if he has it, give it to any of your child-friends who would care for it.—With great love to your husband, ever faithfully yours,

J. Ruskin.

I did so like my left-hand companion—that evening too—and looking over at the quiet, intelligent sweetness of your daughters face.

…Do you recollect Miss Helps and I having such hard work over “that book” in the study? It was the Queen's, which I see is just out. A fine bother I had of it, for Mr. Helps wanted to put all the “Queen's English” to rights—and I insisted on keeping it as it was written—only cutting out what wouldn't do at all.