XIV.
Persano, Tuesday Night,
[Jan. 17, 1792.]
I told you, my Dear Em. that I expected good sport to-day! I have killed five boars, and two great ones got off after falling; two bucks; six does; and a hare: fourteen in all.
By the bye, I must tell you, that accept and except are totally different. You always write—"I did not except of the invitation;" when, you know, it should be "accept." It is, only, for want of giving yourself time to think; but, as this error has been repeated, I thought best to tell you of it.
Pray, write a very kind letter to our friend the Archbishop; and convince him, that Emma, to her friends, is unalterable. Do not say a word about the telescope; for, I must try it, first, against mine. If it should be better, I cannot part with it, as you know how much use we make of a telescope.
The King has killed eighty-one animals, of one sort or other, to-day; and, amongst them, a wolf, and some stags. He fell asleep in the coach; and, waking, told me he had been dreaming of shooting. One would have thought, he had shed blood enough.
This is a heavy air; nobody eats with appetite, and many are ill with colds.
We shall be home on Saturday; and, indeed, my sweet Emma, I shall be most happy to see you.
To-morrow, we go to a mountain; but no great expectation of sport.
Your's, ever, my dear wife,