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Chapter 9: second visit to Europe
In June, 1850, after a seven years residence in and near
Boston, during which I labored at study and literary composition, I enjoyed an interval of rest and recreation in
Europe.
With me went
Dr. Howe and our two youngest children, one of them an infant in arms.
We passed some weeks in
London, and went thence to renew our acquaintance with the
Nightingale family, at their summer residence in
Derbyshire.
Florence Nightingale had been traveling in
Egypt, and was still abroad.
Her sister,
Parthenope, read us some of her letters, which, as may be imagined, were full of interest.
Florence and her companions,
Mr.Bracebridge and
Mrs. Bracebridge, had made some stay in
Rome, on their way to
Egypt.
Margaret Fuller called one day at their lodgings.
Florence herself opened the door, and said to the visitor, ‘
Mr.Bracebridge and
Mrs. Bracebridge are not at home.’
Margaret replied, ‘My visit is intended for
Miss Florence Nightingale;’ and she was admitted to a tete-à--tete of which one would be glad to know something.
It