‘Yesterday evening I spent about an hour at the piano. I did not, however, sing any of your especial songs. I began one day--‘The world is so bright’--but my heart and voice failed, because you were away. However, I daresay that I shall try again this evening. How it would cut up my music, were you to go to any great distance, for most of my favourite songs are yours. How I have enjoyed hearing you sing them.... Farewell, sweet Laura. I must go and hear my children their lessons. I hear their little feet and voices above me.’