LETTER XIX
[Havre, March, 1794].
Do not call me stupid, for leaving on the table the little bit of paper I was to inclose.—This comes of being in love at the fag-end of a letter of business.—You know, you say, they will not chime together.—I had got you by the fire-side, with the gigot smoking on the board, to lard your poor bare ribs—and behold, I closed my letter without taking the paper up, that was directly under my eyes! What had I got in them to render me so blind?—I give you leave to answer the question, if you will not scold; for I am,
Yours most affectionately,
Mary.
LETTER XX
[Havre] Sunday, August 17 [1794].
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I have promised —— to go with him to his country-house, where he is now permitted to dine—I, and the little darling, to be sure[6]—whom I cannot help kissing with more fondness, since you left us. I think I shall enjoy the fine prospect, and that it will rather enliven, than satiate my imagination.