Monday se’nnight.
Mansoor is going to Beyrout to do some commissions; but he has such a bad memory, that I shall be no gainer by his going in what I have to say to you. I am in want of a drawing for two ceilings (one for my divàn-room,) after your taste and ideas, composed of a circle in the centre and a cornucopia at each corner; the remainder a trellis. There must be also small arcades. These I should like to be ornamented with felák[72] flowers (I don’t know the French name); the circular centre may have ears of corn, roses, pomegranates—I mean chiefly. My idea of a cornucopia you will see in the annexed sketch.
I have just this moment received a very long letter from Madame de Fériat, who is delighted with the permission I have given her to come to me. She is making her preparations, is selling her property, &c. I fancy she must be a woman quite unique.
I will write again on Sunday; but, before you let me hear from you, will you make some inquiries about the character of a Florentine who has written to me. Let me know what kind of a man he is; what he is good for. I can never get through all my business with Mansoor alone; still those Franks are generally detestable. His name is Renecucci, or something like it. Forgive me for troubling you so much, and accept, monsieur, the sentiments of my regard and respect.
Hester Lucy Stanhope.
Friday, 3 o’clock.
My express goes off now.
For the divàn-room of Madame F., I should like ornaments of a musical character, flowers, &c.; for she seems to be very fond of music and the fine arts.
Let me know whether the Spanish carpenter is out of employ just at present.