Page:Margaret Fuller Ossoli (Higginson).djvu/267

Rh without trumpet-blast or the thrill of companionship in danger, and that it also involves the peril of a life unborn, and more precious than one’s own. In the case of a mother past her first youth, the peril is doubled; and, where she is without skilled medical attendance or nursing, it is quadrupled. All these evils were combined in the case of Madame Ossoli; and she lived withal among ignorant and sordid mountaineers, whom she could not propitiate, for the want of money, in the only way that could reach them. This was the situation; the letters will speak for themselves. I have employed Miss Hoar’s translation, with some modifications.

&emsp; “, — There is nothing at the banker’s but the journals, which I send you. I fear that it will be difficult for us to see each other again, because Pio IX. now wishes the Civic Guard to go to the frontiers and defend Bologna. I hope that I may at least be able to come and make a visit, and embrace you yet once more, but I cannot tell you anything certain. I have been trying to deliver the letter for the doctor; but his coachman assures me that he will be in Rome in September. To-morrow he will find some one to deliver your letter.

“While I am awaiting good news of yourself, and of a beautiful and good child, adieu, my love, and believe me your G. O.”