‘My dear Dan,—I write just now to say that our grand festival is finally fixed for Monday next, the 27th; the twelfth cake is bespoke and the hurdygurdy; and I hope and trust you will come, one and all—the boys because they are coming at all events, and Lucy to write a full account of it, and Patty to prompt her and console Signor Binda for her long absence, and Mary and Eliza, because I missed them at Derby, and have not seen them for an age, and mamma most of all because she will be most welcome, and you because I lost you the other day when you came. I have no news, and you must have heard all from Highbury. As for me, I have been idling away my time at many castles of Indolence. At Woburn I found Lady M. Palmer, and she talked much of you and Payne. I like her very much indeed. Pray give my love to all, and believe me to be, ever yours,
‘I am going down to Highbury to-day with Mr. Johnstone, Fanny’s husband, and wish you were all of the party. I saw the Lytteltons at Althorp. L. has since been in your country.’
