My dear Novello,—Pray pardon—in the midst of our hurry—this delay in answering your note. My vanity had already told me that you would not have stayed away on Wednesday for nothing; but I was sorry to find the cause was so painful a one. I believe you take exercise; but are you sure that you always take enough, and stout enough? All arts that involve sedentary enjoyment are great affecters of the stomach and causers of indigestion; and I have a right to hint a little advice on the occasion, having been a great sufferer as well as sinner on the score myself. If you do not need it, you must pardon my impertinence. We set off at eleven to-morrow morning, and are in all the chaos of packed trunks, lumber, litter, dust, dirty dry fingers, &c. But Booth is still true to the fair, so my service to them, both Ave Maria and Salve Regina. The ladies join with me in these devoirs, and so does Mr. Keats, as in poetry bound. Ever my dear Novello most heartily yours,
P.S.—I will write to you from the country.
