5

5
I was especially gratified when she wrote to me
that though she had been often in Europe I had
made her stay in Constantinople more pleasant
than any visit she had ever made to a European city!
Now, don't think I have turned to be a vain old
fool, for the compliment was not on account of my
extreme youth -- or personal appearance, but because I
was able to able to {sic} gratify her curiosity, regarding
localities and things to be seen, connected with the
Byzantine period of which the ignorant guides knew
nothing. You will see from the space I have given her
that she made an impression.

I wish so much that some of the
people I know and like would come here in
the summer. I have a steam launch there -- about
the only emblem of rank our Gvrmt allows me --
-- the climate is simply splendid on the Bosphorus
there -- its salt waters, almost cold as ice, as they
flow swiftly from the Black Sea. All sorts of fruits
+ flowers, -- gilded kiaks with Greek + Turkish beauties
with song and guitar, every night gliding over its waters