Your loving, J.H.E.
Dec. 3, 1883.
My Dearest Marny,
You are always so forbearing!—and I have been driven to a degree by work which I had promised, and have just despatched! Some day it may appeal to "the Queers." For it is a collated (and Bowdlerized!) version of the old Peace Egg Mumming Play for Christmas. I have been often asked about it: and the other day a Canon Portal wrote to me, and he urged me to try and do it, and it is done!
But it was a much larger matter than I had thought. The version I have made up is made up from five different versions, and I hope I have got the cream of them. It will be in the January number, which will be out before Xmas.
I have also been trying to see my way—I should so like to go to you—and if I can't yet awhile I hope you'll give me another chance.
This week I certainly cannot—thank you, dear! And I don't see my way in December at all. I will post-card you in a day or two again.
I am yours always lovingly,
J.H.E.
My garden is great joy to me. Even you, I think, would allow me a moderate amount of "grubbing" in between brain work.