Letter from John Herschel, Kodangal, to [Mary Cornwallis Herschel] It is a punishment to have letters returned, but it might be as well if Herschel saw his more often, to explain why his writings can be misinterpreted. He gives the example of a paragraph sperated by a dash, changing the topic, which she has misread, as he approved of her action regarding Mr Gray. He says that he never writes to show malice or annoyance. He asks if she does not do the same, with less offence, but sometimes her phrases sting. He considers himself of 'baser metal' and would once have tried to show that he was right, and she wrong; but expresses the wish that love might heal wounds before they have time to smart. 12 February 1872