378—to Leigh Hunt
Dec. 22, 1813.
My Dear Sir,—I am indeed "in your debt,"—and, what is still worse, am obliged to follow
royal
example (he has just apprised
his
creditors that they must wait till the next meeting), and intreat your indulgence for, I hope, a very short time. The nearest relation and almost the only friend I possess, has been in London for a week, and leaves it tomorrow with me for her own residence. I return immediately; but we meet so seldom, and are so
minuted
when we meet at all, that I give up all engagements till
now
, without reluctance. On my return, I must see you to console myself for my past disappointment. I should feel highly honoured in Mr. B.'s permission to make his acquaintance, and
there
you are in
my
debt; for it is a promise of last summer which I still hope to see performed. Yesterday I had a letter from Moore; you have probably heard from him lately; but if not, you will be glad to learn that he is the same in heart, head, and health.