March 12 Sunday – In Florence Sam wrote to daughter Clara. Summer had arrived, “The sun is gratefully hot.” The Hillyers had left Florence, and “Uncle Larry” (Laurence Hutton), would soon arrive, though after Sam sailed on Mar. 22. Many other guests came through Florence:

“Yas” [William Walter Phelps] is coming, too. He arrived in Rome a few days ago, I judge. He will spend a week there with the Binghams, then come to Florence; so I shall see him before I go.

Mrs. Cabell has sent Susy a copy of her miniature book, “A Summer on Horseback” is the title I think. It is dedicated to Susy Warner, & Charley Warner writes the introduction.

Sir Henry Layard and Lady Layard are here for a few days with the Ross’s. Susy & I dined with them a night or two ago. Very pleasant indeed, but no talk about Ninevah — which was a disappointment to me.

Laffan and his wife are coming — will probably arrive to-day.

Mamma & Susy & Jean are going to Venice for a spell, when I leave, & Mademoiselle [Lancon] will make a trip to Rome.

Mamma has secured her set of old Venetian table-glass & is very glad.

Betchen is to be lost to Mamma I am afraid; & the whole house, even to the horses, grieve about it. The old mother is sick & wants her… [MTP].

Note: Sir Austen Henry Layard (1817-1894) was a British archaeologist, cuneiformist, art historian, draughtsman, collector, author and diplomatist, best known as the excavator of Nimrud, an ancient Assyrian city on the Tigris river south of Ninevah. Sam had a longtime interest in archeology. Bettchen (Betty) was a German servant the family hired in Bad Nauheim. Sam was off a bit on Isa Carrington Cabell’s book title — Seen From the Saddle (1893). Not in Gribben.

March 12-18 Saturday –Sometime during this week Susy Clemens wrote to Louise Brownell; the letter was received (postmarked) Apr. 3 at Bryn Mawr.

Papa sails next Wednesday, the 22nd, and we leave for the beautiful melancholy Venice. Much as I can admire the beauty of Venice I am dreadfully ill at ease and out of my element there. I shall be glad when we get back. Things have been going on about as usual here. …It is still teas, teas, teas for ever and ever. All Florence social live consists of teas, — a curious tiny way of entertaining! The chief objection is I think that you never can have the elegance of a conversation at a tea that you may at a dinner. Talk will stay small and choppy.

I have been asked to join a debating club of which Vernon Lee is President and have declined the privilege from pure abject cowardice. I am going to call on her soon and will write you how she impresses me [Cotton 101214-7].