MY dear Sir—Your letter has lain in a drawer of my
desk, upbraiding me every time I open the said drawer, but it is almost
impossible to answer such a letter in such a place, and I am out of the habit
of replying to epistles otherwhere than at office. You express yourself
concerning H. like a true friend, and have
made me feel that I have somehow neglected him, but without knowing very well
how to rectify it. I live so remote from him—by Hackney—that he is almost out
of the pale of visitation at Hampstead. And I come but seldom to Covt Gardn this summer time—and
when I do, am sure to pay for the late hours and pleasant Novello suppers which I incur. I also am an
invalid. But I will hit upon some way, that you shall not have cause for your
reproof in future. But do not think I take the hint unkindly. When I shall be
brought low by any sickness or untoward circumstance, write just such a letter
to some tardy friend of mine—or come up yourself with your friendly Henshaw
face—and that will be better. I shall not forget in haste our casual day at
Margate. May we have many such there or elsewhere! God bless you for
| 1821b | CHARLES COWDEN CLARKE | 559 |
Mary’s love included.
