Shanklin, Isle of Wight, Monday Night, June 16th, 1849.
My dear Kate,
I have but a moment. Just got back and post going out. I have taken a most delightful and beautiful house, belonging to White, at Bonchurch; cool, airy, private bathing, everything delicious. I think it is the prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad. Anne may begin to dismantle Devonshire Terrace. I have arranged for carriages, luggage, and everything.
The man with the post-bag is swearing in the passage.
Ever affectionately.
P.S.—A waterfall on the grounds, which I have arranged with a carpenter to convert into a perpetual shower-bath.
Mr. Mark Lemon.
Devonshire Terrace, Monday, June 25th, 1849.
My dear Lemon,
I am very unwilling to deny Charley the pleasure you so kindly offer him. But as it is just the close of the half-year when they are getting together all the half-year's work—and as that day's pleasure would weaken the next day's duty, I think I must be "more like an ancient Roman than a ——" Sparkler, and that it will be wisest in me to say nothing about it.