Indeed, I was not offended at the only mention you
did make of him, but at the mention of the other
three, excluding him. I shall be truly grateful for your
proposed notice of him. And do not think I grudge
anything to any other traveller. I am glad you men-
tioned Speke with him. Speke was a brave man, and
full of fine qualities. I grudge his memory no honour
that can be paid ; I never wish to detract from any of
the great merits of the other four. I only ask to



f)ome again 359

maintain my husband's right place amongst them,
which is only second to Livingstone. I hope I shall
see you in a few days, and

"Believe me, most sincerely yours,

"Isabel Burton/*

A month later all her business was completed, and
Isabel left London for Damascus, to enter upon the
most eventful epoch of her eventful life.
CHAPTER X'

MY JOURNEY TO DAMASCVS

(1869—1870)

lit EmI it a Gtrttr.
I SHALL HOC readily fbrg^ the evening of Thoraday,
December i6^ 1869. I had a terrible parting
fiom my dear ooesi espedaUy from my motihcr* Ab a
Frendiman would tay» ^^ Je qiuttua ma mire.*' We all
dined together — the last dinner^-^4tft five o'dbck, and
diree hours later I aet out fw the station. My brothers
and aster came down to Victoria to see me off) and
at the last moment my brother Rudolph dedded to
accompany me to Dover, for which I was truly thankful.
