My dear Vincent,—I am so hard driven just at this moment, that I can but afford a hasty word of thanks even for such presents as yours and dear Mary’s (to whom pray give an embracing word for me); but I need not entreat you to believe, that that word contains a thousand kind thoughts. As to coming to see you, it is what I long for; but with the exception of one unavoidable engagement for next Saturday week, I have been obliged to “cut” all my friends, as far as visiting them goes, till my new play is finished (don’t you feel a particularly great gash? for the “cutting” is of necessity proportioned to the love). On the other hand, I take it particularly kind of them, if they in the meantime come to see me, while resting of an evening after my work (for the going out to visit after dinner knocks me up for the next day). Impudently, nay lovingly then, let me request you to do so, and Clarke also, and dear Vic, if they, or she, or all of you, or each, or either, will come (I have two loves of the name of “Vic” now, Clarke and Prince Albert permitting!) Tea will be always ready for you any time between six and eight, and hearty thanks. From your affectionate friend,
P.S. The moment my play is finished, I will come, and
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