Reverend and dear Sir,—You will forgive my apparent
neglect of your letter dated nearly a month ago, when I tell you that I have
only just arrived at home, after an absence of more than five weeks, during
which I travelled about from place to place, so frequently, that letters could
not be forwarded to me, and I find an appalling heap on my table, several of
them containing requests similar to that in yours. Whatever answer I may return
to the rest—for I say ‘no’ as often as I can—I will
endeavour to say ‘yes’ to your application, if you will allow me
time. You do not say when you wish for the contribution; if you will inform me
of the last moment when it will be acceptable, I will promise to do my best to
come up with it, and bring my gift, whatever that may be, in my hand; for I,
alas! do everything at the last moment, or rather delay everything till then,
and do nothing right or in time. I am, however, so implicated in THE ’CASKET’—;THE ’LITERARY SOUVENIR.’ 169
